The History of the
Save An Eye Football Game
The first "Save an Eye" football game was played in 1939. The game was originally a fundraiser for the Erie Lions Club and pitted East All-Stars against West All-Stars.
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1939: The first game was played between East All-Stars and West All-Stars.
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1952: The game format was changed to City All-Stars versus County All-Stars.
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2019: The format was updated to the current Metro All-Stars versus County All-Stars.
1939 - 1951
East v. West
The Save-An-Eye Football Game, founded in 1939 in Erie, Pennsylvania, brought together the area’s top high school football players for a summer all-star matchup between City and County teams. Organized by local doctors and the Erie Lions Club, the game’s purpose was to raise awareness and funds to prevent blindness and provide vision care to those in need. Played annually at Ainsworth Field, it quickly became one of the region’s most beloved traditions, drawing large crowds and uniting the community around a meaningful cause. Even through the challenges of World War II, the event continued without interruption, symbolizing teamwork, service, and hometown pride. By 1951, the Save-An-Eye Game had already become a cornerstone of Erie’s athletic and charitable history—an enduring tradition that combined the excitement of high school football with the life-changing mission of saving sight.
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952 - 2018
Country v. City
From 1952 to 2018, the Save-An-Eye Football Game continued to grow as one of Erie’s most celebrated and enduring sports traditions. Still pitting the City’s best high school seniors against the County’s top players, the annual summer matchup became a highlight of the region’s football calendar. Moved from Ainsworth Field to Veterans Stadium, the game drew thousands of fans each year and served as a proud showcase of local talent, sportsmanship, and community unity.
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
1962
1972
1982
1992
2002
2011
1963
1973
1983
1993
2003
2012
1964
1974
1984
1994
2004
2013
1965
1975
1985
1995
2005
2014
1966
1976
1986
1996
2006
2015
1967
1977
1987
1997
2007
2016
1968
1978
1988
1998
2008
2017
1969
1979
1989
1999
2009
2018
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2019
2020
2021
2019 - 2025
Metro v. County
From 2019 to today, the Save-An-Eye Football Game remains a proud Erie tradition and one of the nation’s longest-running high school all-star games. Continuing the rivalry between the City and County teams, the game now showcases the area’s top graduating seniors each July at Veterans Stadium. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the spirit of the event endured, highlighting the dedication of players, coaches, and community volunteers.
The Erie Lions Club still directs proceeds toward providing vision care, eye surgeries, and glasses for local residents in need—staying true to the game’s founding purpose from 1939. Modern coverage through live broadcasts, digital media, and expanded community involvement has introduced a new generation to the event’s legacy. More than just a football game, Save-An-Eye continues to unite Erie County through sportsmanship, service, and the shared goal of preserving sight for those who need it most.
2022
2023
2024
2025