Some tips for Corsairs, Bears fans

The Lake Zurich Bears take on the Carmel Corsairs for the first time in history Saturday in the Class 7A state football semifinals.

These two top Lake County high school teams have had a killer season this year: Lake Zurich (11-1) and Carmel (10-2).

Defending state championship runner-up Lake Zurich and Carmel face off to decide who goes to the state finals Thanksgiving weekend.

Here's what fans need to know

Game time: 7 p.m. Saturday at Carmel Catholic High School, One Carmel Parkway, off Route 176, Mundelein.

Admission cost: $6

How to get tickets:

Tickets are on sale now at Carmel, and will be sold at the gate starting 5:30 p.m. Saturday until half-time. Call (847) 388-3324. Tickets go on sale today at Lake Zurich High School's athletic office, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (847) 540-4104. School officials say tickets won't sell out.

How many will attend:

Officials expect roughly 6,000 fans.

Parking:

Carmel has roughly 700 on-campus parking spaces. Remote parking for roughly 1,500 cars will be available a quarter mile east of the school at Marytown, 1600 W. Park Ave. (Route 176), Libertyville. Shuttle buses will run continuously from the remote parking site starting at 6 p.m. until after the game ends. Street parking is available in nearby neighborhoods. Lake Zurich will not transport fans by bus. Carpool or come early to claim your parking spot.

Hold that seat:

Carmel's Baker Stadium can seat 2,600 people. Officials are working to get additional bleachers from neighboring high schools or will rent them to accommodate another 1,500 spectators. There will be standing room around the stadium for remaining crowds.

No need to pack a picnic:

Two concession stands, one for visitors and another for the home crowd, will serve up hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, popcorn and soda.

Eye on the prize:

The Class 7A state championship game is scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 24.