Tickets for Thursday’s “Turkey Bowl”—the annual rival football game between New Canaan and Darien High Schools—are sold out, officials say.
Those attending the game at Dunning Field should expect traffic delays, according to a press release issued by NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan.
“The recommended entrance and parking area for New Canaan fans is through the main entrance of the high school,” the press release said. “Overflow parking is available at South Elementary School.”
It added: “Spectators are reminded that the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages on any New Canaan school property is prohibited. This will be strictly enforced. Spectators will not be allowed to bring backpacks, coolers or bottles into the game. Cooperation of the public is appreciated and will ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.”
Darien’s Blue Wave and the New Canaan Rams rank among the top football teams in the FCIAC.
This Thanksgiving, the third-ranked New Canaan Rams will host top-seeded Darien at Dunning Field for the first time since 2016. That year the Blue Wave won 37-34 in a classic “overtime thriller.” Since then New Canaan has defeated Darien three consecutive times in the Turkey Bowl, including two matchups held at Stamford’s Boyle Stadium in 2017 and 2018 due to capacity limitations at Dunning and Darien High School’s field. New Canan shut out the Wave 20-0 in their last contest in 2019.
The matchup will showcase New Canaan’s defense—one of the top units in recent years—against the Wave’s high-powered offense. The Rams (8-1) have allowed a total of 79 points all season while Darien (9-0) averages close to 44 points per game. New Canaan leads the head-to-head rivalry series 53-38-2 dating back to 1928.
Tickets went on sale to the general public last Thursday at NCHS, and those seeking them faced a long line out the high school long even before sales opened at 5 p.m.
Handicapped parking permits are required to use the limited number of disabled spaces available at Dunning, the press release said.
“These are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis,” it said. “Parking regulations and designated tow away zones will be strictly enforced. Previous experiences have resulted in illegally parked vehicles restricting access to emergency vehicles. Vehicles causing these types of hazards will be towed.”