Hershey Harrisburg will host the inaugural Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Girl's Flag Football State Championship in spring 2027. With more than 165 high school teams statewide, the championship highlights the sport’s expanding reach and positions the region to welcome
future tournaments, showcases and championship events as opportunities in girl's flag football continue to grow.

The 2027-2030 championships will be held at Penn State Harrisburg’s newly renovated synthetic, multi-use NCAA Division III field. The complex has grandstand seating for 750 spectators, 200 newly paved parking spaces directly beside the field with hundreds more nearby, restrooms, a video board, and lights for evening competition. There is a natural grass practice field, 6 locker rooms, and numerous meeting rooms available within a quick 3-minute walk. The venue is conveniently located less than 1 mile from the Amtrak Middletown station, 2.5 miles from Harrisburg International Airport, and within a few miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike along Route 283. Approximately 70% of the state’s population lives within 110 miles of Harrisburg, making this centrally located venue easily accessible for athletes and fans across the commonwealth.

“This is an exciting time for flag football and women’s sports, which are experiencing rapid growth” said Danielle Vincenti, Executive Director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority. “By hosting the PIAA flag championships, we get to support a developing market while helping to shape the experiences that will define the sport for years to come.”

A Rapidly Growing Sport Creates New Opportunities for Event Organizers
Girls flag football has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in high school athletics. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), participation reached 102,360 girls during the 2025–26 school year, a 48.7% increase over the previous year. The number of schools reporting girls flag football participation also climbed from 2,736 to 3,990 nationwide.

This momentum extends well beyond high school competition. Youth programs, collegiate teams, and professional league initiatives such as NFL FLAG are helping to establish a development pathway. The sport will also build international momentum with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

This growth creates opportunities for additional competitions serving athletes at different stages of development. The need for quality competition, experienced event partners, accessible destinations, and venues capable of accommodating growing fields of teams at all levels will continue to evolve.

Hershey Harrisburg Is Ready to Host

As girls flag football continues to grow, the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority welcomes opportunities to connect with organizers interested in bringing the next generation of flag football events to the region.

“Our region has the infrastructure and attractions to provide a top-notch experience for athletes and fans both on and off the field” said Vincenti. “With an accessible location and flexible athletic venues, the region is well positioned to support championships, showcases, and tournaments.”

40% of the U.S. population lives within 500 miles of the Hershey Harrisburg region, making it a highly accessible Mid-Atlantic destination. Harrisburg International Airport offers 17 non-stop destinations and one-stop connections to cities across the world. Amtrak rolls right through the region with multiple daily routes between Pittsburgh and New York. There are more than 9,400 hotel rooms across the region with even more on the way.

Hershey’s nationally recognized attractions, including Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, offer teams and fans additional ways to enjoy their stay. As Pennsylvania’s state capital, Harrisburg adds cultural and historic experiences to the destination.

Interested in bringing a flag football event or other competition to the Hershey Harrisburg Region? Learn more about
hosting your event in the region by emailing Danielle.