Texas | No Cheering in the Press Box

This was what news of a new $60 million high school stadium did to me. I felt like I was going to a pro game, knowing I was going to see something that I would be telling people about the next day. Even though it’s a high school game, and a scrimmage at that, I was thrilled to cover this scrimmage between the Allen Eagles and the Arlington Martin Warriors as live scoring practice for my freelance gig with the Dallas Morning News.

As I drove down Rivercrest Boulevard, past quaint suburbian houses and eventually the high school, I kept craning my neck to get my first glimpse at this behemoth, this gleaming trophy symbolizing Texas’ obsession with high school football. Then, there it was. First, I see the top of the press box, then the words ‘Eagle Stadium’ big and bright in navy blue (Allen’s colors are navy blue and red). When I entered the driveway, after making sure there was no one behind me, I had to stop and snap a picture.

So fresh, so clean! (Personal photo)

My first thought when I saw it actually was “there she is”, like I was referring to a mighty ship, a beautiful car, or my (future) newborn daughter. This place probably feels like a baby to the school district and the city of Allen, whose taxpayers voted to pay for this brick-walled beauty as part of a $119 million bond. Except this isn’t any bundle of joy, this is like William and Kate’s first child (okay, let’s be honest, first boy). The stadium has been covered by the likes of Forbes and the New York Times. It’s got a brief video on ABC News’ website and is first on MaxPreps.com’s 10 high school football stadiums to see before you die (listed in no particular order). Plus, if you look soon after this is published, every possible story angle is front and center on the Dallas Morning News SportsDayHS webpage. It’s the pride of the town, just born and waiting to make its first memories.

Back of the scoreboard (Personal Photo)

I was surprised to walk in and find ticket checkers, no security, no one to ask me if I had a press pass on my way up to the press box. It’s like they left the White House unlocked, but it was liberating to feel that pre-9/11 trust in society again. However, I’m pretty sure security will be on hand for the opener next week. In fact, I couldn’t find anyone to direct me to said press box, so I trudged up the stands to the Photo Deck, which has a big, covered space for people to set up their cameras and tripods. Then, I realized there is an elevator to the press box, which has two levels. I’ve only ever taken an elevator to a press box at Coors Field, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, the Horseshoe and Peden Stadium. Note: those are all pro/FBS college venues. Craziness.

A video producer’s best friend. (Personal photo)

The press box area that I saw was gorgeous. It’s air conditioned (muy importante in Texas), with two flat screen TV’s showing the gameplay along with the date/time, and current weather conditions. There’s speakers that pipe in noise from a referee mic, a crowd noise mic, and the PA announcer. A red and white Eagle logo is sewed into all of the blue padded chairs. They also boast a kitchen area with dark-stained cabinets with silver handles. There are stainless steel appliances: a fridge, a trash compactor/compost thingy, a dishwasher, a coffee maker, a microwave and a sink. This is nicer than most living places at Ohio University. They even put a few rows of tile down in case something spills. What struck me most was that they put up a backsplash of tiny rectangular grey/silver tiles. Such detail! Unfortunately, this kitchen would serve no starving (media) artists tonight, so I went to scope out the concession stands…

Can I just cover games here for the rest of my life? (Personal photo)

So comfortable and so school spirited. (Personal photo)

Press box view of the field (Personal photo)

…which of course looked a lot like the ones at Cowboys Stadium. Especially because they have flat screen TV’s that show the menu. However, Jerry World has separate ones with game video. Tsk tsk, Allen. They even have reasonable prices. I got a cheeseburger (with fresh tomatoes and lettuce and pickles) and a regular soda for $4.50. They sold Chik-Fil-A sandwiches for $4 and even little containers of fresh fruit and cheese. Trés chic.

Looked good and my cheeseburger tasted good! (Personal photo)

I was glad that the teams scrimmaged for two 12-minute quarters and two 10-minute quarters so I could really enjoy this palace. Also, I wasn’t even jealous that I didn’t get to go to high school here until I saw the kid in braces holding this beautiful HD camera that projects the game footage onto the $1.2 million scoreboard with a 38′ X 23′ HD screen. Right now, doing video production for them brings technology experience on par, or probably better than, a D3 football team and some lower market stations. But, Allen High School AV Club Kid gets that opportunity. What a lucky so-and-so.

(Personal photo)

Eagle Stadium takes its first steps August 31 in the first game of the regular season, which is versus last year’s 5A-1 state champion Southlake Carroll. If Allen can beat this team in the opener, it will be huge. To bring back the baby simile: it’s like you’re playing blocks as a baby and Albert Einstein watched you and said “Hey, that kid’s pretty smart.” It’s tough to pull off, but if you do it, you have eternal glory.

It’s something I will never forget and if you are in Dallas during football season, try to check it out. If you can get a seat.