The Arkansas Educational Television Network in partnership with the Arkansas Activities Association will broadcast the 2018 2A-7A high school football state finals live from War Memorial Stadium beginning Friday, Nov. 30. Games will be available to watch at aetn.org/sports after broadcast.

“We hope to further connect Arkansans statewide by featuring hometown athletes competing in the biggest games of the season – possibly the biggest games of their young lives,” AETN Executive Director Courtney Pledger said. “Anyone who might otherwise be unable to attend can watch and cheer for their favorite teams.

“We are excited about the participation and sportsmanship this new endeavor will promote for student athletes, parents and fans across the state. As Arkansas’s only statewide broadcaster, we believe showcasing student athletes – and celebrating the value of extracurricular activities for students – is an excellent fit for our audiences.”

AETN Sports, the new home for high school state championships in Arkansas, recognizes the vital role high school activities play in the education and development of young adults, while connecting families statewide by featuring hometown athletes competing in the biggest games of the season. Under contract with the Arkansas Activities Association, AETN will broadcast high school championship activities for football and basketball for classifications 1A-7A. In addition to creating viewing opportunities for those who may not be able to attend the games, AETN Sports enables talented young athletes to connect with college recruiters and possible scholarships.

“We are extremely excited to partner with AETN in broadcasting our state championship games,” AAA Assistant Executive Director Derek Walter said. “For athletes in Arkansas, playing in a state championship is one of the biggest events in their lives.

“Being able to broadcast these events on statewide television will help make the championship stage even bigger.”

The Arkansas high school football state finals will air on AETN Sports at the following times:

• 5A – Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m.
• 6A – Saturday, Dec. 1, at noon.
• 7A – Saturday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
• 2A – Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.
• 3A – Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon.
• 4A – Saturday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Games will also be archived at aetn.org/sports, allowing coaches, players, families, college recruiters and others to watch at their convenience.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation in high school sports and activities contributes to higher grades; increased attendance and graduation rates; improved time management skills; improved problem-solving skills, social behavior, persistence, creativity and self-control; greater sense of belonging and community; and a feeling of being part of something bigger than oneself.

Some weekend programming will be preempted during the broadcast of state championship games. An up-to-date schedule with options for email reminders and calendar syncing is available at aetn.org/schedule.

The Arkansas Activities Association is the statewide governing body for athletics and activities in Arkansas. The AAA’s mission is to promote the value of participation in interscholastic activities in the AAA member schools and to provide services to the schools in a fair and impartial manner while assisting and supporting their efforts to develop thinking, productive and prepared individuals as they become positive, contributing citizens modeling the democratic principles of our state and nation.