What Time Do High School Football Games Start and Why Do They Always Seem to Interfere with Dinner Plans?

What Time Do High School Football Games Start and Why Do They Always Seem to Interfere with Dinner Plans?

High school football games are a quintessential part of American culture, bringing communities together under the Friday night lights. But one question that often arises is, “What time do high school football games start?” The answer, while seemingly straightforward, can vary depending on several factors, including regional traditions, school policies, and even the weather. Let’s dive into the intricacies of high school football game timing and explore why these events often seem to clash with dinner plans.

The Standard Start Time: 7:00 PM

In most parts of the United States, high school football games typically kick off at 7:00 PM. This time is chosen for several reasons. First, it allows students to attend the game after school without interfering with their academic responsibilities. Second, it provides enough daylight for the early part of the game, especially during the fall season when the days are getting shorter. Finally, a 7:00 PM start time is convenient for parents and community members who may be coming straight from work.

Regional Variations: When 7:00 PM Isn’t the Norm

While 7:00 PM is the standard, there are regional variations that can affect the start time. In some parts of the South, for example, games may start as early as 7:30 PM or even 8:00 PM. This is often due to the intense heat during the early fall months, making it more comfortable for players and spectators alike to start the game later in the evening. Conversely, in northern states where the sun sets earlier, games might start as early as 6:30 PM to ensure that the majority of the game is played in daylight.

The Impact of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) can also play a role in determining the start time of high school football games. In the fall, when DST ends, the clocks are set back an hour, resulting in earlier sunsets. This can lead to games starting earlier to maximize daylight. Conversely, in the spring, when DST begins, games might start later to take advantage of the extended daylight hours.

The Role of Television and Streaming

In recent years, the rise of televised and streamed high school football games has added another layer of complexity to game scheduling. Some games are scheduled to accommodate broadcast times, which can lead to earlier or later start times depending on the network’s preferences. This is particularly true for high-profile games that attract a larger audience.

The Dinner Dilemma: Why Games Always Seem to Interfere with Meals

One of the most common complaints about high school football games is that they always seem to interfere with dinner plans. This is largely due to the 7:00 PM start time, which falls right in the middle of the traditional dinner hour. For families, this can mean either eating early, eating late, or grabbing fast food on the way to the game. Some schools have attempted to address this issue by offering concessions that include full meals, but this is not a universal solution.

The Social Aspect: More Than Just a Game

High school football games are about more than just the sport; they are social events that bring the community together. The timing of the games is often designed to maximize attendance, which means balancing the needs of students, parents, and community members. While the 7:00 PM start time may be inconvenient for some, it is generally seen as the best compromise to ensure that as many people as possible can attend.

The Future of High School Football Game Timing

As society continues to evolve, so too may the timing of high school football games. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, we may see more games being scheduled at different times to accommodate a broader audience. Additionally, as concerns about player safety and health continue to grow, there may be a push to start games earlier to reduce the risk of injuries associated with playing in the dark.

Conclusion

The question of “What time do high school football games start?” is more complex than it might initially appear. While 7:00 PM is the standard, regional variations, Daylight Saving Time, and the influence of television and streaming can all affect the start time. Despite the inconvenience it may cause for dinner plans, the 7:00 PM start time is generally seen as the best compromise to ensure maximum attendance and community involvement. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how the timing of high school football games continues to evolve.

Q: Why do high school football games usually start at 7:00 PM? A: The 7:00 PM start time is chosen to allow students to attend after school, provide enough daylight for the early part of the game, and accommodate parents and community members coming from work.

Q: Are there any regions where high school football games start at different times? A: Yes, in some parts of the South, games may start later due to the heat, while in northern states, games might start earlier to take advantage of daylight.

Q: How does Daylight Saving Time affect the start time of high school football games? A: When Daylight Saving Time ends, games may start earlier to maximize daylight, and when it begins, games might start later to take advantage of extended daylight hours.

Q: Do televised high school football games affect the start time? A: Yes, some games are scheduled to accommodate broadcast times, which can lead to earlier or later start times depending on the network’s preferences.

Q: Why do high school football games always seem to interfere with dinner plans? A: The 7:00 PM start time falls right in the middle of the traditional dinner hour, making it difficult for families to have a regular meal before or after the game.