Carrollton, Georgia – Amid the recent changes to the Georgia High School Association football schedules because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of West Georgia has announced that the West Georgia Kickoff Classic will move away from University Stadium for the next two years.

Carrollton High School and Newnan High School were scheduled to play in the ninth annual West Georgia Kickoff Classic in late August, but for 2020 and 2021, the game will be played at the host institution's home field. The 2020 game will be played at Newnan High School at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, with Carrollton hosting the event in 2021.

"Unfortunately, based on the parameters for hosting a game like this, it is in the best interest of all parties for this game to be played at one of the high school facilities," said UWG Athletic Director Daryl Dickey. "This game certainly means a great deal to the university and to our community, and we will miss having the opportunity to serve as host. However, we look forward to reevaluating the event and determining the path forward for the West Georgia Kickoff Classic in years to come."

The event has been the first event of the year in University Stadium since the 2012 season. West Georgia football will be the first team to play on the RA-LIN Field turf this fall, with the Gulf South Conference planning to release the fall schedules soon.