Georgia Elite Classic returns to Rome with remarkable eight-game slate

The city of Rome is proud to welcome back the Georgia Elite Classic this Dec. 26-28 to host its 13th annual all-star extravaganza and provide the stage for an unforgettable two-day, eight-game lineup. First introduced in Dec. of 2013, the Georgia Elite Classic has grown into an event like no other and this year’s games will showcase the top talent from six different graduating classes in addition to a thrilling flag football double-header that will feature an underclassmen game and a senior game. In total, over 600 participants will head to Rome to compete in this year’s Classic, which has become the largest event of its kind across the state of Georgia.

“Part of the reason we are moving the event back to Rome is for the families that have a student-athlete playing,'' said Score Atlanta president I.J. Rosenberg, who is the executive director of the event. “These families get a great experience in Rome where there are nice hotels, great restaurants, plenty of shopping and the city looks beautiful for the holidays. There is plenty for families to do while their player is participating in the event.”

All of the games will be broadcast live from Rome’s Historic Barron Stadium on Atlanta News First (Channel 46) and the Peachtree Sports Network (cable and YouTube TV), and will be streamed digitally on the Atlanta News First (ANF) website/app in addition to the National Federation High School (NFHS) Network.

"I'm excited for it to be back in Rome," said Rusty Mansell, Chairman of the Georgia Elite Classic Selection Committee. "I know the city and our community embraces this event and will roll out the red carpet again for the top players in the state of Georgia to be on the biggest stage for all-star games. It's such an economic impact for our community, especially being right after the holidays when normally there would be nothing. This is a huge impact to our city, and to the event."

This year will have a two-day game schedule with middle school and flag football all-star games on the first day and then an exclusive lineup of four separate high school matchups with a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior all-star game closing out the event. Rome is no stranger to the event, as the city has hosted the Classic several times throughout its years of operation, with last year’s Classic taking place at McEachern High School.

“Rome is excited to welcome the Georgia Elite Classic back to Historic Barron Stadium,” said Rome City Manager Sammy Rich. “This year’s event brings six football games and two flag football games, giving our community a chance to see some incredible athletes right here at home. While more than two million fans will be tuning in from around the country, Romans get the special experience of cheering them on in person. With our proud tradition of sports hospitality, we can’t wait to celebrate the energy, talent, and excitement this event brings to our city.”

For players looking to compete in this year’s event, please click here to nominate yourself to Rusty Mansell and the rest of the Georgia Elite Classic Selection Committee to be considered for an invite to the all-star games. To see the list of former GEC alum playing in the NFL, please click here.

2025 GEORGIA ELITE CLASSIC GAME SCHEDULE

Saturday, Dec. 27

12 p.m. - Underclassmen Flag Football All-Star Game

2 p.m. - Senior Flag Football All-Star Game

4 p.m. - 7th Grade All-Star Game

6:30 p.m. - 8th Grade All-Star Game

Sunday, Dec. 28

9 a.m. - Senior All-Star Game

11:45 a.m. - Junior All-Star Game

2:30 p.m. - Freshman All-Star Game

5:15 p.m. - Sophomore All-Star Game

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