High school football fans converge at US Bank Stadium from 2024 Prep Bowl
MINNEAPOLIS — State championship football games are happening all day long at U.S. Bank Stadium Friday.
Fans from across Minnesota are watching top teams take the field, each vying for a win at the State Prep Bowl.
The first game Friday morning was the Class 1A final between two schools located well over 125 miles from the stadium: Minneota and Springfield.
This is the third straight year the schools have met in the championship game. Minneota won the first two meetings, and on Friday defeated Springfield 70-20 to win their 10th state title.
Fans from both schools arrived in downtown Minneapolis with plenty of signs and excitement, and with respect for all the players and coaches involved.
"The Metrodome back in the day was, that was the place to be," said Minneota fan Tim Devlaeminck. "We were excited to play there, and now we got this place and it's another great atmosphere."
Now he has a son who plays on this year's team.
"We've got some excellent coaching and so do they, and excellent athletes, no question about it," said Bob Sturm, who has a grandson that plays for Springfield. "Good group of kids on both sides and it's always fun to play, it really is.
It's not just fans from these schools who made the pilgrimage. Some people come who aren't cheering for anyone in particular. Jim Scalese and his son drove six hours from Kittson County to watch the game.
His kids are hoping to play in the championship next year.