Latest news with #PhilipBeardStadium
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Sport
- Bloomberg
A $62 Million High School Stadium Comes at a Bigger Cost
On Thursday night, Philip Beard Stadium in Buford, Georgia, made its national television debut on ESPN. The new $62 million facility, located 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, features 15 corporate suites, 10,000 seats and a 3,600-square-foot, state-of-the-art scoreboard. It's the perfect backdrop for a college gameday — but the stadium wasn't designed for an institution of higher learning. It was built for Buford High School football, and it isn't even the most expensive high school venue in the country. The extravagance is emblematic of the changing landscape of youth football. As more money transforms the college version — much of which I've supported — the traditions and culture of high school football are becoming collateral damage. What's left behind is a commercial spectacle, far removed from the spirit of amateurism and community that should be preserved in youth sports.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buford High football team to take the field at new $62 million football field tonight
Buford is set to make history with the opening of its new $62 million high school football stadium, Philip Beard Stadium, which will host its first game tonight. The stadium, which is the most expensive high school stadium in Georgia, can accommodate 10,000 fans and features a 3,500 square foot video board and 15 luxury suites. It is funded by the city's general fund and is seen as a significant investment in the community. 'It shows the ultimate show of community. I mean, the community of Buford built the stadium,' said Brandon Neighbors, a parent of a Buford High School player. Parents and community members have been eagerly gathering at the stadium, proud of the new facility and excited to support their children. TRENDING STORIES: Pregnant wife of former Atlanta Hawks player attacked by shark Kirby Smart reveals his secret about ordering in Chick-fil-A drive-thru Fulton County Schools bus drivers fired for violating safety policy 'He's excited to be in front of the bright lights,' said Crystal Acevedo, a parent, as she prepared to watch her son play. The stadium's opening game will feature Buford High School against Milton High School, marking a significant moment for the players who will be the first to take the field. 'They know it's at stake, but they just treat it as another game,' commented a parent. City leaders envision the stadium as more than just a venue for football games, hoping it will serve as a landmark for Buford. 'This is unprecedented, right? The stadium, the cost, the value, the way it looks, it is unprecedented,' Acevedo said. As the lights come on for the first time, Buford is betting $62 million that this stadium will put them on the map for good. 'It's beautiful, but these kids, it's great that they get to put the pads on and going in there and have fun,' said Travis Pope, reflecting the community's excitement and pride.
