General | February 10, 2016 | 0:00

The Detroit Sports Commission announced today the matchups for the 2016 Prep Kickoff Classic, to be held Aug. 25-27 at Wayne State University.

The 12th annual kickoff showcase, which is now in its fifth year at WSU, will feature 10 playoff qualifiers, including four state finalists from last season. The event will also welcome two first-time participants.

"We look forward to again providing a fun and community-focused platform for the teams, bands, cheerleaders and fans to showcase themselves on a big stage," said Dave Beachnau, DSC executive director and PKC founder. "Along with trying to create a unique and memorable experience for all, the PKC helps support the DSC's mission to make metro Detroit a premier destination for youth and amateur sporting events."

At least one 2015 state finalist will participate in all three games on Saturday, Aug. 27. Defending Division 2 state champion Detroit King will play Southfield Academy for the Arts and Technology at 3 p.m. State runner-ups Chelsea (Division 3) and River Rouge (Division 5), who will be making its first PKC appearance, will meet for the first time in the game prior at 12 p.m. The event will conclude at 6 p.m. with Division 1 runner-up Detroit Cass Tech taking on Oak Park.

The schedule kicks off with Downriver League foes Lincoln Park, a first-time PKC participant, and Woodhaven squaring off at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25. In the nightcap, Chippewa Valley will play Lake Orion at 7 p.m. The Big Reds outlasted the Dragons 35-28 in last year's event. Two more rematches will highlight the Aug. 26 slate with Allen Park and Taylor Kennedy doing battle at 4 p.m. followed by Canton and Dearborn Fordson at 7 p.m.

Advance tickets to the Prep Kickoff Classic are available at each of the participating schools at a discounted price of $9. A portion of the proceeds from advance ticket sales benefits the schools. Tickets at the gate on game days are $10. One ticket grants admission to all games on that particular day.

Full Schedule:

Thursday, Aug. 25
Woodhaven vs. Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.
Chippewa Valley vs. Lake Orion, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 26
Allen Park vs. Taylor Kennedy, 4 p.m.
Canton vs. Dearborn Fordson, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 27
Chelsea vs. River Rouge, 12 p.m.
Southfield Arts and Technology vs. Detroit King, 3 p.m.
Detroit Cass Tech vs. Oak Park, 6 p.m.

For more information visit the Prep Kickoff Classic home page. You can also follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Vine using the hashtag #PKC16.

Since its inception in 2005, the Prep Kickoff Classic has hosted more than 70 teams from Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. In addition, the award-winning event has featured some of the Midwest's top student-athletes. Forty-eight players from last year's event signed National Letters of Intent with NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA schools on National Signing Day.