UPDATED Big Night For Heights: Playoffs Begin and Students Perform Sold Out 'Sound of Music' Show Saturday

Updated 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. Wednesday

The Tigers football team, after , will host St. Edward in its opening playoff game Saturday night. The Tigers will play at home on Crawford Field.

The same evening, more than 600 students in the district will perform in the sold-out at the high school auditorium. 

The expects a crowd of 5,000 or more at the high school that evening. The stadium can hold about 3,000, and the auditorium more than 1,400, said Angee Shaker, communications director for the district. Then, factor in the student performers and players.

The district and contacted John Carroll University, Shaker said. But ultimately the Heights High football players made the decision.

"It came down to what the players wanted. Coach Rotsky had a heart-to-heart with our players, and they wanted to play at home, nowhere else," said Superintendent Douglas Heuer in an email. "Even though the field isn't in the best condition, the consensus is the athletes earned a home football game with an undefeated season ... our players only get one opportunity for a home game in the playoffs."

Shaker said though the field was in "horrible" condition, it is important that the players host at home.

"It's going to be a little sloppy, it's going to be muddy," she said. But Coach Jeff Rotsky thinks the Tigers will play best on their home field.

Kickoff time is 7 p.m. in the football team's opening round OHSAA Division I, Region 1 quarterfinal playoff game, but gates will open at 5 p.m. The first 1,000 fans will get a Tigers rally towel. The rendition of the classic musical begins at 7:30 p.m., with a ticketed dinner preceding the event. The auditorium will open at 6:45 p.m. Officials encourage attendees of both to arrive early.

Remote parking and shuttle service will be available at several locations from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and immediately following both events. 

Musical attendees:

The , 14780 Superior Road

Or park in the north and east parking lots at the high school

Football attendees:

The , 1 Monticello Blvd.

, 40 Severance Circle

parking lot, 1740 Cumberland Road

Or park in the Cedar Lee Business District

Presale football tickets are available Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the Heights High athletic office for $7. Tickets at the gate are $9. Children 5 and under are free.

Check Cleveland Heights Patch and the CH-UH district's website, www.chuh.org, for more details as they become available.