Most of us remember stepping into a college football stadium for the first time and staring in awe at the sheer size of the structure. Most high school football stadiums can’t compare to the sheer size and quality of a college football stadium, so the transition between the two usually leaves new college students with a sense of wonder.
However, some high schools put a lot of work into their football stadiums, updating them with the latest technology and fitting them with quality seating and other amenities. In fact, several high schools across the country have created incredible stadiums that put their college and university counterparts to shame. You can read about 10 of them here.
1. Allen Eagle Stadium, TX
You’d think you had stepped onto a college campus when visiting this massive stadium. It seats over 18,000 people, making it the fifth-largest stadium in Texas, even though Texas houses several colleges and universities. The stadium features two-tiered bleachers, with one tier on a balcony. That sort of detail generally happens only for college stadiums.
2. Lahainaluna High, HI
What if you could watch football at the same time you watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean? You can do just that at this Maui high school stadium. It seats over 3,000 people; plus, it includes a press box and concession stands—but the view from the bleachers makes this stadium a true standout.
3. Fawcett Stadium, OH
This stadium in Ohio can seat over 20,000 people, making it much bigger than many college or university football stadiums. It sits right next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and it regularly hosts the preseason Hall of Fame Game between NFL teams.
Because NFL teams actually use this stadium, it comes with a lot of perks. It has state-of-the-art turf, an impressive sound system and display screen, brand new amenities and much more. Only a few college and even professional stadiums can claim as much.
4. Jones Stadium, TX
The neoclassical façade of El Paso High wraps around this stadium, giving it an imposing and impressive backdrop. The stadium also overlooks the cities of El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico from the top of the hill, giving the games an even more dramatic backdrop. Jones Stadium also boast an impressive 12,000 seats, making it an excellent venue for high school football.
5. Berry Center Stadium, TX
The third Texan stadium on this list, Berry Center Stadium seats over 11,000 fans and covers about 65 acres. It hosts football games for 10 high schools in the surrounding district.
6. Monument Valley High, UT
This high school football stadium stands in the heart of the Navajo Reservation surrounded by the impressive backdrop of Monument Valley. The sheer cliffs add an element of drama to every football game, turning each skirmish into an epic battle for victory.
The stadium also comes with a number of other interesting features. You can buy fry bread and beans at concessions, and you won’t hear the National Anthem in English. One of the students from Monument Valley High sings it in Navajo at every game. So if you’d like a truly unique high school football experience, visit Monument Valley High.
7. The Pit, OH
Visit Cincinnati if you want to see this horseshoe-shaped stadium. It seats 10,000 fans, and features some of the tightest sidelines for any football field (you’ll sit a mere five yards from the field if you have seats on the bottom row—so mind your head!).
8. Ratliff Stadium, TX
This gigantic stadium belongs to yet another Texan high school. It seats over 19,000 fans, and it has all the perks of modern technology. The stadium has extensive broadcast wiring—so even if the stadium sells out (and it frequently does) fans can watch the games live on their TVs.
9. Round Valley Ensphere, AZ
If you want to overwhelm your opponent with noise, you can play at this covered, dome-shaped sports center in Eagar, Arizona. This facility contains basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts in addition to a football field, and the noise inside the dome only builds while home teams play, disorienting opponents.
10. Washington High School Stadium, CA
Ever wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge? You can stare at it all you want if you visit this stadium—though you might want to spend more time watching the team play. The stadium also features beautiful friezes depicting ancient and modern Olympic events, making the venue more beautiful than many of its university-level counterparts.
So what does it take to have a crowd-catching stadium? It takes imagination, hard work, and plenty of quality seating. If you want to put your stadium on the radar, use the examples of these stadiums for inspiration.
You can opt for big, impressive, and technological like Allen Eagle Stadium, or you can use the artistic strategy like Washington High School. Just do something that makes your stadium stand out and make others take notice!
