By Cassie Dugan
<[email protected]>

12:05 p.m. on Aug. 23 will mark the kickoff of the first football game ESPN has covered in the Midwest. The Carmel v. Cathedral game will open its ticket booths at 10 a.m. to the public at the Carmel High School stadium. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. Ticket sales will also be available for $5 in the activities office during normal school hours this week until Friday.

Attendance is expected to be between 8,000 and 10,000, which is considered a little more than normal, according to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep. Those not able to attend the game can view it on ESPN channel 36. CHTV will not broadcast the game live due to rights issues. However, the recorded game will be shown at another time.

Most activities and routines that normally take place at a home game will still be practiced. Attendees will be breathalyzed. The marching band will play during half time. However, prior to kickoff ESPN will be awarding a leadership award to one Carmel player and one Cathedral player.

“They’re looking for someone who displays leadership, community service, good grades, and all around a good guy,” Inskeep said.

Few extra security measures will be taken such as extra police officers and tighter control on the gates.

“Basically, it will be just like a normal Carmel game. There are still breathalyzers, tickets are still $5, and you can still use your all-sports pass,” Inskeep said, “There will just be a little more excitement and a few extra cameras.”