Los Angeles Unified is gearing up to unveil the 89th Annual East L.A. Classic, a storied high school football rivalry. This iconic sports event is scheduled to be held on October 25, 2024, at the SoFi Stadium. The 89th Annual East L.A. Classic is presented by the LA Bowl, hosted By Gronk and the Los Angeles Rams. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for soccer lovers as it will highlight the intense rivalry between Theodore Roosevelt High School and James A. Garfield High School.
East L.A. Classic has created a rich history as one of the most celebrated high school football matches that have been held since 1925. This high-profile face-off game, played in the west of the Mississippi River every year, is popularly known as a homecoming game for both schools. The event draws thousands of alumni, students, and the local community. Mighty Rough Riders from Roosevelt and Garfield Bulldogs engage in these annual clashes with great expectations for winning an elusive trophy that remains with them forever, besides bragging rights throughout the year.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the event at the SoFi Stadium, Alberto M. Carvalho, the Unified Superintendent of Los Angeles, stated, “We are excited to announce that one of Los Angeles Unified’s most iconic matchups will debut at SoFi Stadium this year.” He added, “For 89 years, the East L.A. Classic has been a cornerstone of unity. There is a palpable excitement in the air as we eagerly await to see who will claim the trophy and earn bragging rights this school year. Go, teams!”
Sharing similar sentiments, Dr. Rocío Rivas, a Board Member, emphasized the venue’s significance, saying, “We are thrilled to see this iconic football showdown kick-off in a stadium that is as grandiose as the school rivalry itself. These games exemplify the values of tradition, teamwork, and friendly competition, and having the East L.A. Classic at SoFi Stadium will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the teams, their fans, and our school communities.”
Raising the excitement further, the Girls Flag Football match will be held this year, following a tradition that began last year. The first game was an interesting one where the Rough Riders won in overtime, making it a historical moment. It’s before the headliner event that the girl’s game comes to show how flag football in high school sports is gaining popularity.
The Los Angeles Rams are playing a significant role in bringing this historic game to SoFi Stadium. Johnathan Franklin, the Rams’ senior director of social justice and football development, emphasized the importance of the event for local athletes, saying, “As an alumnus of LAUSD, I’m thrilled to see the Classic grow as we invite high school athletes to play on the same field as professionals. We’re excited to include girls’ flag football as we continue to grow the legacy of one of the most iconic high school games in the nation.”
Adding to the excitement, Ben Gertner, the Principal of Theodore Roosevelt High School, encouraged fans to secure their tickets early if they didn’t want to miss the event. He shared, “In 2022, over 30,000 fans enjoyed a thrilling game and a spectacular halftime show at the Los Angeles Coliseum.” He further added, “Now this huge rivalry game is heading to SoFi Stadium, one of the premier sporting venues in the world, and we are highlighting our newest competition, Flag Football.”
Fans of this historic rivalry match have already queued up to get their tickets, which will start selling on Ticketmaster on September 9. These two schools are making preparations for an unforgettable face-off match, combining their history with ultimate class. Stepping into its 89th year, East LA Classic has maintained its place as a strong representation of the competitive vibes in the football community throughout L.A.
