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Sports

5 Things To Know About the Salem/Beverly Game

Defending champs Salem Witches will clash with the Beverly Panthers this Thanksgiving, continuing one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the country.

As Turkey Day approaches, there's only one big game worth noting around these parts — the epic match between the Beverly Panthers and the Salem Witches. 

One of the oldest rivalries in the country — Beverly dominated in the first-ever recorded 1891 game at Beverly Common on Nov. 16, 1891. The epic rivalry will continue at the 113th annual game, where the Salem Witches will defend the title after last year's 12 - 7 win. 

Purchase tickets early to save money and reserve seats — Tickets are $10 for reserved seats and are only available in advance. General admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students. Tickets are $10 the day of the game. For advance tickets, visit the Athletics Office at or call 978-740-1113.

Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Park at the North Shore Medical Center — There are two small parking lots on either side of next to  With thousands of spectators expected, your best bet may be to park in the big lot at the adjacent to the football stadium.

The 'Bridge the Gap' Tradition — On the Monday before the game, the Panthers and Witches meet up face-to-face on the Salem/Beverly Veterans Memorial Bridge. The annual ceremony is a symbolic pre-game tradition to promote good sportsmanship among players and supporters. Did you notice red, white, orange and black balloons in the middle of the bridge this week? They're the remnants of the meet-up.

Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

See the complete history on Facebook. Want to learn all the team stats and history before placing your bets? Visit the Salem vs. Beverly Facebook group page for the most comprehensive online report complete with scores, commentary and press quotes.

History will continue tomorrow — Thursday, Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. on .

See you there.

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