Vintage Football returns to Rock Island, Illinois. The 5th Annual Vintage Football Game will be held on Saturday, September 28th at Douglas Park in Rock Island. Gates open at 12:30 pm and the pre-game festivities will commence at 1:00 pm with a kickoff taking place at 2:00 pm. Simon Herrera and Chris Zimmerman are the organizers of the event which is co-hosted by Rock Island Parks and Recreation.

The purpose of the game is to celebrate the pro football history at Douglas Park, in the city of Rock Island and the surrounding Quad City area. This year the NFL is celebrating its 100th season and this game looks back to the first game that first season. The teams selected to represent the era are the Rock Island Independents and the St. Paul Ideals. The two teams played in the first game to feature an NFL team (the Independents) after the league formed. The game was played on September 26th, 1920 and Rock Island won the game 48-0.

The teams will be wearing custom designed replica jerseys and leather helmets using a 1920’s style melon football.

No admission will be charged. The public is invited to fill the park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and grab a spot right next to the field just as they did back in the 1920’s. Come cheer on your favorite past-time team in this leather-head, throwback Vintage American football game. The game will go on rain or shine.

A free Rookie Rugby Clinic will be held from 11:30 pm to 12:15 pm for pre-registered third through eighth grade participants. The Young Irish QC Rugby Football Club will lead this free non-contact clinic to teach fundamentals of rugby with short drills and fun games. Participants can register for this free clinic at www.rigov.org/ePark using code #8790. Spaces are limited.

Vintage Football teams will take the field to warm up at 12:30 pm. Team and player introductions will begin at 1:30 pm. A collection of 1920’s era automobiles, courtesy of The Mississippi Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America will be on display. During half time the Young Irish QC Rookie Rugby Teams will have an exhibition game. The Rock Island Parks and Recreation concession stand will be open selling food, drinks, and various beers. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

For more information about the event, please call Rock Island Parks and Recreation at (309) 732-7275.