IHSAA responds to Big Ten's Friday night football announcement

The Big Ten's announcement that six football games — three conference, three non-conference — will be played on Friday nights in September and October beginning next year was met with disappointment from the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

In a statement released Thursday, executive director Alen Beste said a University of Iowa game played on Friday night would 'almost certainly ... have a negative impact on high school football games across the state' in attendance, media coverage and traffic around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

'While the decision to play Big Ten Conference football on Friday nights may be in the best interest of the Big Ten Conference and its member schools, we do not believe it is in the best interests of high school football across the state of Iowa,' Beste continued. 'That being stated, we will reach out to the University of Iowa in the hopes we can work together to mitigate the damage this decision by the Big Ten Conference will have on high school football in Iowa.'

Our statement regarding the Big 10 playing Friday night football November 3, 2016

Our statement regarding the Big 10 playing Friday night football https://t.co/m6xVqQplTF pic.twitter.com/eNX5YhY6IO

— IHSAA - Iowa (@ihsaa_iowa)

Iowa athletics director Gary Barta said Thursday the Hawkeyes — who annually play Nebraska the Friday after Thanksgiving, after the high school season is over — would be willing to host a Friday night game, but only on Labor Day weekend.

'We truly understand and appreciate the significance surrounding high school football in the state of Iowa,' Barta said. 'Similar to football Saturdays in Iowa City, it is a wonderful opportunity that brings fans together to rally around their school.'

Hlas: Fridays now? Enough is never enough for the Big Ten

The Michigan High School Athletic Association also openly opposed the decision, with executive director John E. 'Jack' Roberts saying he is 'disappointed and disheartened.' Michigan said it will not play on Fridays.

Coaches associations in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois also tweeted initial statements against the Big Ten's announcement.

Disappointed that this decision was made and games will compete with HS football. Working on response as we speak. November 3, 2016

Disappointed that this decision was made and games will compete with HS football. Working on response as we speak. https://t.co/caEmIUpXY2

— IA FB Coaches Assn (@IFBCA)

The WFCA does not support Big Ten's decision to play college games on Friday nights. Further comment & info will be provided in coming days.November 2, 2016

The WFCA does not support Big Ten's decision to play college games on Friday nights. Further comment & info will be provided in coming days.

— WiFCA (@wifca)

Friday nights belong to HS kids, local communities, and HS Football. A little Extra $ isn't more important than what HS football providesNovember 2, 2016

Friday nights belong to HS kids, local communities, and HS Football. A little Extra $ isn't more important than what HS football provides

— IHSFCA (@IHSFCA1)