By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

HELENA — Season ticket sales for high school football programs are yearly occurrences. High school booster or quarterback clubs usually put tickets on sale early in the summer, offering admittance to all home games as opposed to purchasing a single game ticket for each home game.

In the case of Helena High, the Huskies are putting a unique spin on the tradition. While most schools offer the chance for long-time holders to renew each year, the Helena Athletic Association is offering fans a chance to be part of history. Helena High’s will field its first football team this season, and the HAA is inviting supporters to be the first to own season tickets.

“Right now, being the first year, we’re having to do it in stages,” Helena Athletic Association Chadd Adams said. “(We’re) at about 100 tickets sold, roughly.”

The tickets cost $125 apiece, Adams said, and include all home games excluding the playoffs. The HAA is still waiting on final parking to decide VIP slots, he said.

While most schools have a booster club run sales, Helena High’s sales will be through the Athletic Association. The HAA not only supports the high school’s football team, but all school-related sports in Helena, Adams said.

“The Helena Athletic Association is for all sports,” he said. “We support the elementary school, the intermediate school, the high school and P.E. We are for everyone.”

For example, the HAA takes a distinct approach to the common football program sold at most games. Adams said Helena will have a program for each semester, recognizing all sports.

Adams also acknowledge that while making sure everyone is recognized, covering every sport can be tough.

“It costs a lot of money,” he said. “The city has been phenomenal. The pads, helmets and equipment (costs) comes up to us.”

While getting the football team — as well as the other sports — the recognition deserved, Adams said the HAA has enjoyed every minute of it.

“I can’t say enough about how good the community has been,” he said. “The people of Helena are so supportive. We want that to be known. It’ll be like an Auburn-Alabama football game when those lights come on. It’s an exciting time.”

For more information on the HAA or tickets, visit Helenaathleticassociation.org.