THE ISSUE

Although the University of North Alabama's football team lost in the Division II playoffs, there is more college football ahead in the Shoals.

By now, anyone who follows college football in the Shoals knows that the University of North Alabama Lions lost Saturday in the Division II playoff quarterfinals. Valdosta State beat the Lions 37-23 in Valdosta, Ga.

But that does not mean that college football is over in the Shoals. The big game is yet to come.

On Dec. 15, the National Collegiate Athletic Association will hold its Division II national championship game at Braly Stadium in Florence. It will begin at 11 a.m. and be televised nationally on the ESPN2 network.

The game will be the 22nd consecutive championship game held here, and we like to take pride in letting people know that Florence, and Braly Stadium with its seating capacity of 14,125, is the home of the game.

But that pride often doesn't carryover to showing up at the game. Attendance at recent championship games has been not very good despite efforts by the local championship game committee to turn out a crowd.

Sarah Beth Vandiver, NCAA Division II championship game coordinator, said it is important for the community to understand what the game means to our local economy and to get behind it by putting up welcoming marquees and decorating store fronts, and actually going to the game.

"A lot of communities would love to host this game," she said.

This year, the game experience will be enhanced by a large screen for instant replays at the south end of the stadium, and by recording artists Angela and Zac Hacker, who will sing the national anthem.

No matter which two teams take the field, the Shoals community needs to be there - in person. You can get your tickets for $20 at the Shoals Center for Business and Economic Development. More information on the game can be obtained by calling Vandiver at 764-4661.

Let's show our support for keeping the national championship game in the Shoals. See you at the game.