HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The final showdown between the Hopkinsville High School Tigers and the Christian County High School Colonels will take place on Oct. 24, with multiple generations of alumni planning to gather for a tailgate to commemorate the historic event. The game will be the final matchup between the rivals before the schools consolidate in 2026.

“This is an important moment because all of our stories are the history of HHS,” said Barry Payne, an organizer for the HHS tailgate. “Our sporting moments, our laughs, our accomplishments and failures all make up the story of HHS. Getting together to share those memories, honor the past, and cheer on the present Tigers is going to be super cool!”

The final game will take place at the Stadium of Champions, with kickoff at 7 p.m. All past alumni, facility and staff from both schools are invited to represent at the tailgate, with CCHS’s student body stretching back to 1960, and HHS dating back further to the early 1900s.

Separate organizers for each alumni group are coordinating tailgates, with HHS setting up games and a kids area along with food. They are asking people to sign up to bring additional food and volunteer their time.

Payne told Christian County Now that it will be a great night for fellowship, allowing people to reconnect with former classmates, and share memories with teachers and other alumni. He feels like this game is bittersweet, with the end of an era ringing in new opportunity.

“Let’s pack the stands, celebrate our Colonel pride, and make this a night to remember,” said a statement from CCHS. “Don’t miss your chance to be part of the tradition, the rivalry, and the final chapter.” On the Colonels side starting at 5 p.m., hot dogs will be served, and people are invited to bring snacks and side dishes while wearing their school colors.

Following this school year, the students, staff, and athletics programs will combine at the brand-new campus that is currently in final stages of construction. At this time, traditions and history from both of the schools will merge as the Christian County Tigers. The consolidated school will be headed by Executive Principal Ken Carver and large administrative team featuring leadership from across the district.

| MORE: Over 100 years of history, traditions merge with CCHS Tigers branding