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... - Football - Fall 2009 Preview - Harvest Christian League

Sunday, Sep. 06, 2009

2009 Football Preview: Stanislaus District's must-see stadiums

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The crashing of pads and excitement of big plays are only a few of the reasons to get out of the house on Friday nights to watch high school football.

High school stadiums carry their own appeal, whether in the hills at Sonora or on the dusty valley floor at Denair. The proximity to the players makes it easy for fans to get caught up in the emotion.

There’s a stadium for everyone, whether you prefer modern or vintage, artificial turf or real grass, tailgating in the end zone or sitting on the 50.

These are a few of the Stanislaus District’s best places to watch a game, but first here are some words of advice:

— On-campus parking is often scarce at older schools, so be prepared to slip onto a residential street to find a spot.

— Tickets are generally $3 to $6, depending on your age.

— Bring an extra $10 so you can enjoy the food — particularly the on-site barbecues.

— Arrive early: It gets you a good seat and the junior varsity always enjoy a loud crowd.

1. Falcon Field (2201 Fruitland Ave., Atwater) The latest stadium converted to artificial turf — the new stuff was rolled out last summer — Atwater High’s facility seats 2,400 and the stands were renovated in the 1990s. There is a 120-seat section on the home side for fans buying a $50, five-game season-ticket package. What do you get for your money? A comfortable seat with a back and a seat on the 50 — just try to beat that deal. If your team needs a spiritual lift, look beyond the south end zone and say a prayer to the illuminated cross that is visible from the stands. A large parking lot is connected to the stadium, making for a short walk in the rain and cold.

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2. Jack W. Lytton Stadium (3460 Lester Road, Denair) Sitting in the middle of this east side town, Friday night’s lights are visible from miles away when Denair plays. Nothing fancy, but the locals know their football and take pride in watching their boys. Don’t be shy about asking for an opinion of the team, chances are the guy you’re talking to once donned a Denair jersey. The Lions Club built the stadium in 1976, which seats about 3,000. New bleachers were installed six years ago, and they’ve got backs to guarantee a comfortable game. A new snack shack has been built, and the old was converted into additional bathrooms. The boosters’ club barbecues beef, pork and poultry on site, always a juicy, tasty bonus.

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3. Memorial Stadium (1528 E. Yosemite, Escalon) A throwback stadium with plenty of history: The lights, for example, were used to illuminate Modesto Speedway before the track closed and they were sent over to Escalon in 1956. It seats about 3,000, but has hosted crowds of 8,000 by having fans encircle the field. There’s not a bad seat in the house, said Mark Loureiro, a former Cougar quarterback and now the coach. The small-town atmosphere is a bonus late in the season, as folks to cozy up to one another to fend off the cold. The boosters’ club installed metal bleachers eight years ago, so show them your appreciation by visiting their barbecue for a linguica or tri-tip sandwich.

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4. Stadium ’76 (3600 M St., Merced) The name is appropriate, since it opened in 1976 on the Merced College campus. It is home to Merced and Golden Valley, and holds 8,000 spectators. That’s a good thing, too, because the crosstown rivals can draw hefty crowds. Bottlenecks occur at the entry because there is just one gate, but once you’re inside, it’s a great place to watch a game. Plenty of good seats, and ample on- and off-campus parking. It’s in east Merced, so out-of-towners will have to negotiate a maze of city streets after exiting Highway 99. The field is usually looking good at the start of the season, but begins to show wear and tear with the high schools and Merced College’s own team using it.