Vintage Football returns to Rock Island, Illinois. The Annual Vintage Football Game will be held on Saturday, September 11^th at Douglas Park in Rock Island. Simon Herrera and Luke Shatek are the organizers of the event which is co-hosted by Rock Island Parks and Recreation.

The purpose of the game is to celebrate the pro football history at Douglas Park, in the city of Rock Island and the surrounding Quad City area. The teams selected to represent the era are the Rock Island Independents and the Moline Universal Tractors.

No admission will be charged. The teams will be wearing custom designed replica jerseys, leather helmets, and using a 1920’s style melon football. Come see how football was played in Douglas Park when Rock Island had a team in the NFL. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and grab a spot right next to the field just as they did back then. The game will go on rain or shine.

Before the game, kids can show off their skills with Football Development Models’ Kick, Throw & Go Skills Challenge! The challenge will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm for ages 6 to 15. Check in is at 11:30 am. They’ll do their best at six different skill stations-passing distance, passing accuracy, speed, agility, punting accuracy, and kicking distance. Participants can register for this free clinic at www.rigov.org/ePark using code #10832. Spaces are limited. Kids that are pre-registered by August 31st will also receive a free t-shirt.  

Vintage Football teams will take the field to warm up at 1:00 pm. Kids and fans are encouraged to come and talk to the players and see the equipment and throw around the balls. Team and player introductions will begin at 2:00 pm. Coin toss will be at 2:30 pm featuring Mayor Mike Thoms with game kickoff to follow. The Rock Island Parks and Recreation concession stand will be open selling food, drinks, and various beers. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

This will be the first event held on the new multi-purpose field at Historic Douglas Park, which has had many renovations and upgrades. Progress is still underway including the youth baseball field, ticket booths, and finishing touches to dugouts and seating areas. To get involved or make a donation to Friends of Douglas Park contact kc76ers@msn.com.

For more information about the event, please call Rock Island Parks and Recreation at (309) 732-7275.