Unique High School Gridiron Event at Canvas Stadium

High school football fans across Northern Colorado should make plans to get to Fort Collins for the annual Canvas Community Classic. Three Fort Collins high schools will take on three high schools from Loveland/Windsor.

What Teams Are Playing in the 2026 Canvas Community Classic?

According to the Coloradoan, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, three high school football games will be played at Canvas Stadium, featuring:

• 11:00 a.m. - Poudre vs. Mountain View.
• 2:00 p.m. - Rocky Mountain vs. Thompson Valley.
• 5:00 p.m. - Fort Collins vs. Windsor.

I was bummed to not find my former high school, Loveland, on the list, but I guess you can only have so many. The Coloradoan reports that it's with the 2026 games that they expanded to include schools outside the Poudre School District; the event has been taking place since 2022 as The Canvas Classic.

Hundreds Will Attend the Canvas Community Classic for Free

If you can't get a free ticket, they'll cost you $16, along with $10 for parking (if coming by car.)

Many will be able to get a free ticket:

• All kids in grade 8 or below (no ID needed.)
• All CSU students (with student ID.)
• All Poudre School District employees (with badge.)
• All students from the Poudre, Thompson, and Windsor school districts (with ID.)
• *Tickets will be available at the Canvas Stadium Box Office.
• *$10 parking still required if coming by car.

I guess, even though they expanded the games out to include Loveland and Windsor high schools, Thompson School District staff and Weld RE-4 District staff can 'kick dirt' when it comes to getting free tickets.

Just like at any other "official" game, the schools will have their bands on hand to help them win. Those attending who are rooting for the Fort Collins teams will sit on the 'Home" side at Canvas Stadium (the west stands,) while Loveland/Windsor fans will sit on the east stands.