Veterans will eat free and get free admission when Dublin Scioto Football hosts its first Military Appreciation Night on Sept. 11 at Dublin Scioto High School.

The evening begins with a tailgate cookout at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria, one hour before the Irish take the field against Westerville South in a conference game. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at 4000 Hard Rd.

All veterans are welcome. Those planning to attend the cookout should RSVP to [email protected] by Sept. 1.

The event is organized by John Witt, a longtime Dublin Scioto teacher and coach whom the City of Dublin named its 2026 Independence Day Grand Marshal for his work honoring veterans and strengthening support for military families. Witt has helped students at the school preserve more than 3,000 veterans' stories through classroom projects.

The Sept. 11 game also carries football significance. Dublin Scioto opted up from Division II to Division I this fall, the program's first season at Ohio's highest competitive level since 2012. As Dublin Daily reported in June, the Irish made the call themselves. With Scioto joining Coffman and Jerome in Division I, all three Dublin high schools are competing at the state's top level in the same season for the first time.

The Military Appreciation Night is the latest in a busy stretch for the Scioto football community. The program's first annual Football Frenzy pep rally, hosted by the Dublin Scioto Touchdown Club and Cheer Boosters, is set for Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school. That event is free and open to all ages, with a $10 VIP upgrade available.

The Scioto Football account announced the Military Appreciation Night on Aug. 17, calling on the community to help honor those who have served.

How to take part:

  • What: Military Appreciation Night — free cookout and football game for veterans
  • When: Friday, Sept. 11. Cookout at 6 p.m., kickoff at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Dublin Scioto High School, 4000 Hard Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
  • RSVP: Email [email protected] by Tuesday, Sept. 1

Upcoming Dublin Scioto football dates:

  • Aug. 27 — Football Frenzy pep rally, 6–8 p.m. (free, all ages)
  • Aug. 28 — Home opener vs. Briggs
  • Sept. 4 — Home vs. New Albany
  • Sept. 11 — Military Appreciation Night vs. Westerville South, 7 p.m.