Limestone University Prevatte Complex, Richardson Field Play Major Part In Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase

Limestone University’s Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex and Jerry Richardson Field played a major role in the success of the recent all-star high school football game that took place in Gaffney.

The inaugural Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase was played at Gaffney High School's stadium on Sunday, Dec. 12, with North Carolina knocking off South Carolina 34-7.

On the four days prior to the game, both teams practiced at Limestone on the artificial turf at Jerry Richardson Field, located within the Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex. On Saturday, Dec. 11, Richardson Field at Limestone was the host of the Carolina Bowl Senor Showcase's 7-on-7, Linemen Challenge, and Kicking Challenge that attracted family and friends of the players, along with football fans from across both Carolinas.

“We cannot say enough about the hospitality of Limestone University and the facilities it provided that helped make the Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase possible,” said Todd Helms, the game’s Executive Director. “The players and the coaches were just blown away by the incredible amenities offered at Limestone’s Prevatte Complex. Having Richardson Field for practices was vital because the teams would be playing on artificial turf during the game at Gaffney High. The kids needed that practice time at Limestone in order to get a feel for what it would be like on the turf during the game.”

The City of Gaffney, Cherokee County, and the Town of Blacksburg were major sponsors of the all-star game, along with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations.

The teams were housed in two Gaffney hotels, and lodging throughout Cherokee County was at capacity thanks to the thousands of visitors who traveled to take in the game. The squads also enjoyed meals and entertainment options while staying in the area.

South Carolina District 14 Senator Harvey Peeler, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, acknowledged prior to kickoff on Sunday that the Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase had a tremendous economic impact on the local community.

“Limestone thoroughly enjoyed having the Carolina Bowl Senior Showcase on our campus and using our fine facilities within the Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex,” said Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker. “We look forward to having the event back in Cherokee County and visiting Limestone for many years to come.”

Carolina Bowl officials said they are committed to a long-term relationship with Gaffney, Cherokee County, and Limestone University to host the Senior Showcase for the long-term.

“Gaffney is a football town and we’re proud to call it the home of our Senior Showcase,” Helms noted. “The response to this year’s game was overwhelming, and we expect it to be bigger and better in the years to come.”

ACCOMPANYING PHOTO: Limestone University President Dr. Darrell Parker (third from left) with (left to right) Freddie Brown (Carolina Bowl President, Player Development), Jimmy Staton (Carolina Bowl Chief Executive Officer), and Todd Helms (Carolina Bowl Executive Director, Sales & Marketing) during a practice session on Limestone's Jerry Richardson Field.