This year's Traverse City Patriot Game – the annual football clash between the Central Trojans and West Titans that draws an estimated 10,000 attendees - is set for Friday, September 9 at 7:15pm at Thirlby Field.

Area active-duty military members, veterans and first responders are invited to attend both the game and a 5:30pm tailgate party for free, and will be invited onto the field to have their service honored at a 6:30pm ceremony. Special recognition will be given at the ceremony this year to U.S. Air Force Tech. Sergeant Matthew Schwartz, a 1996 Central graduate who was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Matthew’s family will be honorary representatives of both schools during the coin flip, along with Schwartz’s commanding officer, retired Brigadier General Michael Carey.

Commemorative game shirts are being sold in advance at area new car dealerships, the NMC Veteran’s Relations office and East Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union. Shirts are $5 for most student sizes, $7 for student XXL and XXXL, and $10 for adults. Supporters of West will wear blue shirts, while Central supporters will wear red. Shirts will also be sold at the game while supplies last. Proceeds from shirt sales will support Veteran To Veteran, a program that helps veterans transition to civilian life by partnering them with mentors who are also veterans.