Big 33 football classic expected to bring $2M to Cumberland County economy

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One of the nation’s top high school football games is relocating to Cumberland County, courtesy of a new Destination Sales Grant.

The Destination Sales Grant was announced by the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau at the end of 2023, to bring larger events to Cumberland County. The Big 33 Classic is the first awardee of the grant, receiving $300,000.

The 2024 Big 33 Classic is estimated to bring $2 million to the Cumberland County economy. Including all Big 33 related events, the change to Cumberland County will fill around 2,000 room nights.

“The PSFCA Big 33 is proud to partner with CAEDC & Cumberland Valley Visitor’s Bureau for the 67th Big 33 Football Classic, which will be held on Memorial Day Weekend,” Garry Cathell, Executive Director of the Big 33 said in a statement. “This generous support will allow the Football Classic to become established in Cumberland County, where we are excited to use the first-class facilities at Cumberland Valley High School, as well as other venues and businesses in Cumberland County.

Referred to as “The Super Bowl of High School Football”, the Big 33 Classic showcases Pennsylvania and Maryland’s top high-school football players. The game will be televised across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and surrounding states.

The showcase game is relocating from Harrisburg to Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg in May. The Destination Sales grant guarantees the Big 33 Football game will remain in Cumberland County for at least the next three years.

“The Destination Sales Grant provides us the opportunity to attract large events, like the Big 33 Classic to showcase the Cumberland Valley’s lodging properties, restaurants, shops, attractions and natural beauty,” said Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau Public Relations Manager, Aaron Jumper.

This year’s Big 33 Classic will take place Memorial Day weekend, May 26th at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field, and will bring in families from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond to Cumberland County. Last year’s game was attended by approximately 10,000 people.

The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing arm of the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), which awards the Tourism Product Development Grant, Tourism Recovery Grant, and Destination Sales Grant. CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets.

“We are truly thankful for such a warm welcome from CAEDC & Cumberland Valley Visitor’s Bureau, and we are excited to continue to grow and reach new heights through this partnership,” said Cathell.