The notoriously hot and muggy nights of late August will be made easier for the football players participating in this year’s Red Carpet Bowl.

Batesville Casket Company and Cook Tractor Company have donated six Roto-A-Cool fans to both Warren Central and Vicksburg High for use at all athletic events. The electric fans have a water pump that offers players a cool mist which will give them relief from the heat and humidity of the season openers.

The Red Carpet Bowl is set for Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium. Warren Central will play Clarksdale at 6 p.m., followed by nationally-ranked South Panola taking on the host Vicksburg Gators at 8.

Both sides of the field will have three fans each. Vicksburg coach Alonzo Stevens said the new fans will be a big upgrade.

Red Carpet Bowl tickets on saleTickets for the Aug. 29 Red Carpet Bowl Classic are on sale at Just Duett Sports, 3409 Halls Ferry Road; Michel’s Record Shop, 1417 Washington St.; Cook Tractor, 680 U.S 80; or from any Red Carpet Bowl member. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the gate.Warren Central is scheduled to play Clarksdale at 6 p.m. at Vicksburg Memorial Stadium, followed by Vicksburg against South Panola.”They are real nice. You can feel the difference. For the last several years we’ve had just the big blow fans, but they can’t do what these new ones can,” Stevens said.

RCB committee member Ricky Mitchell said the fans are a way for the RCB Classic to stay ahead of what he feels will be future mandates by the Mississippi High School Activities Association.

“Last year, we had some high school football players die because of the heat. I think eventually, the MHSAA will make these types of fans mandatory, but we decided it was best now, to get them,” Mitchell said.

Fellow RCB committee member Travis Vance said the fans will be multi-purpose.

“It’s just not for football. We are giving these fans to the schools. Their first usage will come during our Red Carpet Bowl games on Aug. 29, but after that we are hoping the fans will make their way to both of the girls softball programs and other sports as they come up,” Vance said.

Warren Central coach Curtis Brewer said the fans will be a welcomed addition.

“It’s always hot for the Red Carpet Bowl. Two years ago, it was cooler than normal, because of rain,” Brewer said. “But what this shows is how committed the community involvement has become with these games. They have taken the steps to do something for the schools. We’re deeply indebted to the Red Carpet Bowl committee.”