Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic | March 5, 2026 | 8:30

The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) today announced the game matchups for the 2026 Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic (APKC) set for Aug. 27-28, at Tom Adams Field on the campus of Wayne State University in Midtown Detroit.

Founded in 2005, the APKC is the premier season-opening high school football showcase in Michigan and has become an annual staple of the state's prep football tradition, delivering a "bowl game-like" experience for student-athletes, marching bands, cheer squads, and fans from across the Midwest.

"The Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic has become a mainstay in the metro Detroit community, serving as the official kickoff of high school football in Michigan," said Marty Dobek, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission. "Amazon has been an integral partner and has allowed us to continue this tradition and create memorable matchups and experiences for more than 100 participating schools from across Michigan and neighboring states."

The 2026 Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic will feature four marquee matchups with teams from southeast and western Michigan, as well as Indiana:

Thursday, Aug. 27

• 4 p.m. – Chippewa Valley battles Detroit Catholic Central
• 7 p.m. – A mid-Michigan matchup: Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills vs. Dewitt

Friday, Aug. 28                                         

• 4 p.m. – Birmingham Groves vs. North Farmington will face off in a southeast Michigan showdown
• 7 p.m. – PKC mainstay Detroit Cass Tech returns to take on Michigan City from Indiana's Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC)

The Girls' Flag Football Showcase will return to the APKC in 2026 for its third year, reinforcing DSC's commitment to supporting active play and girls' sports in the region through its Living Legacy Initiative.

"Amazon is proud to support the Prep Kickoff Classic and the incredible student-athletes, coaches, and communities it brings together each year," said Ian Conyers, Community Engagement, Amazon. "This event exemplifies the power of sports to unite people, build connections, and create lasting memories. We're honored to help kick off another exciting season of high school football in Michigan and to continue our commitment to the Detroit community through partnerships like this one."
 
APKC tickets and additional event information on the Girls' Flag Football Showcase will be released in spring 2026.
 
ABOUT THE DETROIT SPORTS COMMISSION
The mission of the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) is to market and sell metro Detroit as a premier destination for regional, national, and international amateur sporting events. The DSC is a not-for-profit charitable organization, IRS 501 (C) (3), and a subsidiary of Visit Detroit. For more information, visit detroitsports.org.

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