For the third year in a row, the Oxford Chargers will make an appearance in the Class 5A state football championship game as they face Wayne County Saturday at 7 p.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on the University of Mississippi campus.

The state championship appearance is a bit unique for the 12-2 Chargers, who will play for the state championship title for the first time in their own backyard since Oxford is the host town for the MHSAA Blue Cross & Blue Shield 2015 Gridiron Classic.

“Making it to the state championship game in our class is an achievement that makes us all proud, but to be able to play a game of this caliber in our own backyard makes getting here even more rewarding,” Oxford head football coach Johnny Hill said. “I am proud for this group; our team has worked extremely hard to get where we are today.”

Game day pep rally and Charger Walk

The community can show their support as the Chargers march toward the state championship by attending the Charger Pep Rally and Charger Walk on Saturday on the University of Mississippi campus.

The Oxford High School cheerleaders and band will conduct a Charger Pep Rally on the Ole Miss Student Union steps at 4:40 p.m. Saturday.

At 5 p.m., Charger fans can line the Ole Miss Walk of Champions sidewalks in The Grove to cheer on the football team as they make their way to the stadium. The Walk of Champions begins in front of the Ole Miss Student Union and travels the length of The Grove.

Parking will not be available around The Grove on game day.

Tailgating and fan procession

Tailgating is allowed in The Grove during the Gridiron Classic, but fans must tailgate responsibly. All Ole Miss game day tailgating rules apply for the state championship football games.

At 6 p.m., Charger fans are encouraged to line up behind the OHS Band as Charger Nation fans make their way to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to watch Oxford play for the 5A state football championship.

Seating information

The Chargers are the away team in the 5A state championship game, so Charger fan seating is on the east side of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

The South-Half Champion teams are the home team this year for the Gridiron Classic and will be on the west side (press box side).

The south end zone will not be open to the public for fan seating, and the north end zone is under construction.

Gate 20 and security staff will be able to direct fans who need to sit in proper ADA seating at the game.

Stadium prohibited items include: no video cameras or videotaping; artificial noisemakers of any kind such as air horns, bullhorns, sirens; cannons; umbrellas; propane heaters; ice chests; outside food or drink; weapons; alcohol or tobacco; or, any items deemed inappropriate, hazardous or unsafe by venue personnel.

Game day parking

For Saturday’s game, the south lot at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is available to use, as well as most any spot on campus near the stadium. The south lot will be free parking on both Friday and Saturday and shuttles will run both days for fans.

The parking garage will still be pay for parking.

Also, the south lot is used as ADA parking for Ole Miss games and will continue to be used for the Gridiron Classic games.

TV and Web streaming

Fans, family and alumni unable to attend the 2015 Gridiron Classic Football Championships can watch all games, including the 5A state championship game, live on local television affiliate WCBI-TV, Tupelo and online at www.misshsaa.tv.

The Details

Ticket Information

General admission tickets are $12 and are on sale this week at the following locations:

• Oxford School District

224 Bramlett Boulevard, Oxford

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Oxford Middle School

222 Bramlett Boulevard, Oxford

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

• Oxford High School

101 Charger Loop, Oxford

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• University Sporting Goods

105 Courthouse Square, Oxford

Store hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

General admission tickets will be sold on game day for $13, and Charger fans will purchase tickets on game day and enter through gate 20 on the east side of the stadium. Tickets are general admission, so no reserved seating is available. One ticket is good for all games on the day the ticket is issued. Children five and under will be admitted without a ticket.

Game Day Information

• Noon —  Tailgating in The Grove

• 4:40 p.m. — Charger pep rally on the Ole Miss Student Union steps

• 5 p.m. — Charger Walk at the Walk of Champions, The Grove

• 6 p.m. — Fan procession to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium led by OHS Band

• 7 p.m. — 5A State Football Championship Game, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium