What You Need to Know About This Year's Thanksgiving Day Football Game

Needham and Wellesley will face off at Wellesley High School’s Hunnewell Field 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 for the annual varsity football showdown.

Tickets are $10 per person. They are available through the Needham High Athletic Department or at the Needham Park and Recreation Office at 500 Dedham Ave. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Wednesday afternoon. Cash or checks accepted. Checks can be made out to Wellesley High School Athletics.

Due to an expected large crowd, there will be some temporary parking restrictions in the area of Wellesley High School. These parking restrictions will be well marked and include the following streets: Atwood Street, State Street, Smith Street, Clifford Street, Twitchell Street, Rice Street and Paine Street.

Wellesley Police Department asks spectators to not park where the temporary “No Parking” signs have been placed. Also be sure to not block a driveway if you are parking on a street. Regular no parking signs in the area will also be in effect.

Parking is available in the Wellesley High School lot, the Selectman’s lot on State Street and on Washington Street near the tennis courts. There may be some early parking available in the lot near the skating pond on State Street as well.

Be sure to bring a blanket, as temperatures will be in the lower 30s.

Last year, Needham claimed the 125th annual game 39-21 despite a scoreless last quarter. Then junior Mike Panepinto got 291 yards and 5 touchdowns. It was their third Thanksgiving football game win in a row.

This year, the Rockets have a 7-2 record. They made it all the way to the semifinals of the South Division 2 playoffs to be defeated by Mansfield 42-35. The Raiders are 4-4. They were also taken out by Mansfield, 31-14 in the quarter finals.

Questions about parking may be directed to Sergeant Jeff Renzella via email at JRenzella@wellesleyma.gov.

Who do you think will take it this year? Leave your predictions in the comment section below.