Durham to host 2026 Bull City Classic high school football showcase

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Some of North Carolina’s top high school football programs will take the field in Durham next week as the 2026 Bull City Classic returns with seven preseason matchups featuring 14 teams.

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The showcase, presented by 1st & Goal 365, is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Organizers say the event has grown into one of the state’s largest preseason high school football showcases, bringing together powerhouse programs and emerging contenders from across North Carolina and Virginia ahead of the official start of the 2026 season.

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This year’s theme is “All Eyes on Durham,” highlighting the city’s role as the host for teams from the Triangle, Eastern North Carolina, the Charlotte area and beyond.

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2026 Bull City Classic matchups

The seven-game showcase will feature the following contests:

• Wakefield vs. Riverside
• Northern Durham vs. East Wake
• Leesville Road vs. South Garner
• Rolesville vs. King’s Fork (Virginia)
• Mallard Creek vs. Millbrook
• Clayton vs. Southern Durham
• Hillside vs. New Bern

Event information

• What: 2026 Bull City Classic
• When: Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
• Where: Durham County Memorial Stadium
• Format: Seven games featuring 14 high school football teams
• Presented by: 1st & Goal 365
• Official media partner: MoneyDown

Tickets are available through GoFan by searching for “1st & Goal 365.”