TSSAA Football Contract With Cookeville Open For Bids

The extension of Cookeville’s high school football state championships contract with TSSAA depends on the city submitting a bid.

This weekend’s Blue Cross Bowl at Tucker Stadium is the last of a four-year contract. TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Matthew Gillespie said the organization looks for Cookeville to be involved in the bid process.

“It is a standard process that we go through,” Gillespie said. “Like I said it is hard to tell at this point if there will be others that bid other than Cookeville. We certainly hope Cookeville will bid again, as well.”

Gillespie said TSSAA has been pleased with its four years in Cookeville, especially with volunteer numbers. Gillespie said that is one aspect that separates the city from other locations.

“For the most part, I can not remember anything on the negative side of anything, but we get numerous positive feedback, and the experience that the coaches and the welcome and red carpet that is put out for fans from all the folks in Cookeville,” Gillespie said. That is not just the people that run the event and are in charge. A key and integral part of this is the volunteers. Without the volunteer base in place in Cookeville, you could not run the event.”

The next contract will only be for two years to stay in line with the TSSAA classification cycle.