For only the second time in its storied history, the Prep Bowl will be played at a venue other than Soldier Field.
A person in the Chicago Public League sports administration told The Times the Prep Bowl would be at Gately Stadium this year on Nov. 25.
The annual event pits the Chicago Public League champion against the Catholic League champ.
The 2002 Prep Bowl was played at Hanson Stadium on Chicago's North Side due to renovations at Solder Field. Mundelein Carmel Catholic beat Dunbar 55-22 that year.
Mickey Pruitt, CPS' coordinator of football, could not be reached for comment.
While the reason is not known, there is speculation that the cost of renting the stadium is a factor in the decision.
The first game was played in 1927 when Mount Carmel beat Schurz 6-0 at the lakefront stadium. The first official Prep Bowl was in 1934 and was dubbed so by then-Chicago Mayor Edward Kelly as a fundraiser for the city's needy.
In its early years, the game drew huge crowds, including the 1937 game which had an estimated 120,000 fans. Austin, led by, Bill DeCorrevont, beat Leo 26-0.
Mount Carmel has won 10 Prep Bowls, 11 if you include the 1927 game. Marian Catholic has won one and lost one.
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