INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division I Football Championship, in Chattanooga, Tenn., will host a number of events prior to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Championship game:

•         The NCAA and Habitat for Humanity framing of a new home.

•         The Youth Skills Challenge competition, during pre-game of the championship.

•         “Tailgate Town”, an interactive fan fest on Carter Street on the west side of the stadium.

•         Other local events to enhance the fan experience.

The NCAA Division I Football Championship game will crown the FCS national champion.  The FCS embodies a tradition of excellence through high level competition, student-athlete character and sportsmanship throughout the regular season and the championship experience.  Championship game attendance, at W. Max Finley Stadium/Davenport Field, has exceeded stadium capacity the last two years and the 2008 game will mark the third straight year the championship game has sold out.  The game will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 19, on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com.

NCAA and Habitat for Humanity Build

The NCAA and Habitat for Humanity International, in conjunction with the Habitat for Humanity Chattanooga, are teaming up to frame a house in partnership with a local Chattanooga family.  The build will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET in the north parking lot of W. Max Finley Stadium/Davenport Field in Chattanooga, Tenn.  More than 20 volunteers, including representatives from each of the respective FCS teams in the championship game, will frame the home at the build site throughout the day.  The home will remain on display through the FCS Championship game that Friday evening, and then it will be moved to a permanent location.

Youth Skills Challenge

Children in grades 3-8 will kick, pass and dash their way to the Youth Skills Challenge finals.  Participants will consist of qualifiers from an event held at a University of Tennessee-Chattanooga home game on November 22, and the stadium open house on Thursday, December 18 at 7 p.m. eastern, at W. Max Finley Stadium/Davenport Field.  The Youth Skills Challenge finals will be on Friday, December 19 at W. Max Finley Stadium/Davenport Field during the 2008 NCAA Division I Football Championship pregame festivities.  All qualifiers will win two free tickets to the championship game, as well as taking part in the finals during pregame.  Winners of each age group will receive two free tickets to the 2009 NCAA Division I Football Championship; a $50 gift certificate to Event One Merchandise at the championship game; a football; an EA Sports NCAA Football 09 video game; and a photo opportunity on the field.