Poll: Who are you cheering for?
Bluefield High School Beavers (Bluefield, WV)
Graham High School G-Men (Bluefield, VA)
First things first, if you aren't familiar with the big "Beaver-Graham" or "Graham-Beaver" game, it's one of the biggest high school football games in the country. The Bluefield High School Beavers (Bluefield, WV) and the Graham G-Men (Bluefield, VA) face off every year to kick off the Football Season. This longstanding tradition started in 1911 and packs out Mitchell Stadium every year with 10,000+ spectators. It's no wonder why Mitchell Stadium was named America's Best High School Football Stadium by USAToday in 2019. This year, the G-Men are the "home" team so the game is referred to as the "Graham Beaver Game". The City of Bluefield is going all out for this year by launching the inaugural "Beaver Graham Week" which is end-capped by another one of the City's most popular events, The Lemonade Festival. We encourage locals and visitors alike to take a look at all the festivities happening in #MyBluefield and chose to #ShopSmall & #DineSmall this week.
Beaver Graham Week is August 20th-August 27th, 2022
The Two Virginias 5K Challenge: This certified point-to-point race begins at 9am on August 20th at the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias and will end in Bluefield, VA at New Graham Pharmacy. The top male and female runners will receive a $100 cash prize. Packet Pickup and same-day registration begins at 7am.
The Bluefield Shriner's Carnival is running from August 23-27 near the TailYard Dog Park on Raleigh Street in Downtown Bluefield, WV. The carnival will be open from 4pm-10pm Tuesday-Thursday, 4pm-12am Friday, and 11am-12am on Saturday.
Craft Memorial Libary's Free Make & Take School Spirit Crafts: Fun for the family -- make your own crafts in preparation for the big game! August 22-26 (9:30am-7pm Mon-Thurs, 9:30am-5pm Fri).
Re-runs from Past Games: catch up on former rivalry games at Craft Memorial Library. They're showing previously recorded Beaver-Graham games through August 27th (Mon-Thurs 9:30am-7pm & Fri-Sat 9:30am-5pm).
The Bluefield Cup - Captain's Choice Golf Tournament will be held on August 24th at 10am. Teams must register at the Bluefield FitRec. $400 per team of 4 players. The total score from either Bluefield teams or Graham teams will win!!
Legends of the Rivalry - Game Highlights & Discussion: Join us for this *FREE* event at the Granada Theater on August 24th at 7pm to review game highlights from previous years followed by a discussion about the history of the rivalry. A reunion event is to follow. Concessions will be available for purchase. This event is open to the public.
Beaver Parade: On August 25th at 6pm, the Beaver Parade will start on South Street in Bluefield, WV and end in Chicory Square in the Downtown Commercial Historic District. This event is followed by the "Meet the Beavers" Pep Rally.
Tailgating at Mitchell Stadium begins at 9am on August 26th. The City of Bluefield is providing FREE tailgating spots and all spots must be reserved at the FitRec or Online (Click Facility Rentals>Battle of the Bluefields Tailgaiting). General Admission parking does not open until 4pm. Gates open at 5:30pm. Due to Graham being home this year, Tazewell County has put a clear-bag policy into effect.The Graham-Beaver game kicks off at 7:30pm.
Beer Garden: If you're looking for a place to catch up with friends, the RailYard is hosting a Beer Garden inside of the former Big Whiskey BBQ at 610 Raleigh Street from 4pm-10pm on Thursday (Aug 25th), 4pm-Midnight on Friday (Aug 26th), and 11am-10pm on Saturday (Aug 27th).
The Lemonade Festival: a traditional post-game refresher, the Lemonade Festival is on August 27th and kicks off at 11am. The day will be full of events including Live Music with Matt Deal, performances by the Bluefield Dance Theater and Starz Performing Arts Academy, free make & take lemon crafts by Craft Memorial Library, and vendors showcasing their wares.
EnVision Party Band: Join us as we celebrate the Granada Theater's One-Year Anniversary on August 27th from 7pm-10pm! The EnVision Party Band is a dynamic and professional stage show. They perform a wide variety of musical styles including Motown/Oldies, R&B, Beach, Pop, and Dance. You're sure to get on your feet and rock the night away. Tickets are $25 each.
Parachute Brigade Band with Special Guest Matt Deal: With an appeal to any kind of crowd, The Parachute Brigade builds musical bridges that never fail to delight and entertain every new fan and friend they have the opportunity to play for. They are performing live upstairs on the Clover Club Stage at the RailYard from 6pm-10pm on August 27th. $5 Cover.
Afterparty: DJ Doc continues our Saturyay fun DJing downstairs at the RailYard on August 27th.
Additional Information such as time, date, location, and other helpful tips can be found at www.mybluefield.org/playbluefieldwv
Looking for more?
Need Beaver or Graham Apparel? Be sure to stop by Monogram Magic on 1807 Jefferson Street or A&J Sportstown at 616 Federal Street
Hosting your own gathering? Sweet ThingZ will have Beaver and Graham Cupcakes for sale the day of the game.
Need a place to stay? Check out Baker's Hill Inn or the Bluefield Inn
While you're wandering through downtown during the Lemonade Festival, check out Gary Bowling's House of Art and the One Thin Dime Museum at 300 Ramsey Street in Downtown Bluefield, WV! They're both open 11am-4pm on Saturdays and are sure to awe and amaze.
If you're looking for recommendations on places to eat, activities, entertainment, and ways to support local businesses, check out our Things to Do in #MyBluefield Page!