Illustrative stock photo; not the featured local event, facility or project. Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash.

Traverse City’s Central-West football rivalry will share the spotlight with recognition for service members and support for a local veterans organization this Friday.

The October 20 Patriot Game announcement schedules the game for October 23 at Thirlby Field.

Student Senate members from both schools selected Reining Liberty Ranch as this year’s beneficiary.

The announcement says proceeds from commemorative apparel and game-day donations will support the ranch.

Arrive for the ceremony, not just kickoff

Gates are listed to open at 5:30 p.m., with ceremonies beginning at 6:35 p.m. and kickoff at 7:10 p.m.

The event honors veterans, active-duty military, first responders and fallen area heroes.

People attending for the recognition should plan around the ceremony time rather than only the football start.

Anyone coordinating a family group can settle the meeting point and arrival time in advance.

That leaves room to find one another and participate in the part of the evening they came to see.

A local organization behind the fundraising

On its official website, Reining Liberty Ranch describes programs for veterans centered on connection, peer support and activities with horses.

Its listed offerings include GT Horses 4 Heroes, Heroes to Hives and peer-support activities.

The beekeeping program brings participants together with established veteran beekeepers, while other activities focus on connection with horses or fellow veterans.

These are the organization’s descriptions of its services, rather than a promise that every participant will have the same experience.

Readers interested in a program can contact the ranch to discuss what is available and whether it suits their needs.

The game’s fundraising provides another route for the community to learn about that work.

Two school communities, one beneficiary

The students’ joint selection gives the rivalry a shared purpose beyond the final score.

Fans can support their own school while contributing to the same local organization.

For readers who want to help but cannot attend, the ranch’s website provides information about volunteering and donations.

Choose the route that fits your interest and confirm any details directly with the organization.

A game-day purchase and an ongoing volunteer role are different ways to participate.

Neither requires treating the evening as a competition over who gives more.

Check the entry arrangements

The announcement says veterans, active-duty personnel and first responders receive complimentary admission through the Thirteenth Street rolling gate.

TCAPS recommends advance tickets for other attendees.

Use the district’s Patriot Game page and its current ticket instructions before leaving.

Questions can go to the Central Athletic Office at 231-933-6575.

Confirm the ticket total and any current arrival directions rather than relying on an older game’s procedures.

If an accessibility question affects the visit, bring it directly to the school before the evening.

A Friday plan with a community focus

Keep the weather, transportation and the trip home in your group’s plan.

Share the official event information so everyone has the same ceremony and kickoff times.

Consider learning about the beneficiary before the game; knowing what the ranch does can make the fundraising announcement more meaningful.

For CherryBuzz readers, Friday combines a familiar local sports matchup with a student-selected community cause.

Pick an arrival time that includes the recognition you want to attend, check the current entry information and use the ranch’s own resources to explore its work beyond game night.

Sources checked October 20, 2026

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