By Rita Howell

Special t-shirts have been ordered, extra lights have been installed above the football field and welcome messages are going up on signs around town, all in anticipation of Friday night’s nationally televised football game between the South Panola Tigers and the Darters of Apopka, Fla.

The game will be broadcast at 7 p.m. on ESPN affiliate ESPNU. Local viewers who can’t be at the game can pick it up on channel 609 (DirecTV), 148 (Dish Network), or 301 (Cable One Digital.)

 A spokesman for the Batesville Cable One office said viewers with only basic cable service will not be able to view the Apopka game on ESPNU. However, these customers may acquire a digital box for temporary use for a nominal fee.

Tiger fans have been asked to wear red as they prepare for their moment in the national spotlight.

Tickets, $10 each, are on sale now through 3 p.m. Friday at the South Panola School District office, 209 Boothe St.