"The Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk continues to celebrate the important role high school football plays in communities across the Carolinas," said Kristi Coleman, chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and president of the Carolina Panthers. "Bank of America Stadium will once again set the stage for the ultimate high school football experience, featuring two high-powered matchups that provide the energy and excitement of top-level high school football."
In 2024, the Carolina Panthers and Belk announced a muti-year partnership that placed a particular emphasis on the Panthers community pillars, including the naming rights to the Keep Pounding High School Classic.
"At Belk, we love celebrating the communities we serve and the experiences that unite us," said Don Hendricks, chief executive officer of Belk. "We're proud to partner with the Carolina Panthers on this event, which shines a spotlight on the passion and potential of young athletes across our region. We're excited to bring it to life together again this year."