HUNTER: Alright, two days ago we talked about some dark horse 6A teams. It’s close to the weekend, let’s talk about something fun…what are your favorite stadiums?
TONY: I have to start with Jones Stadium at El Paso High School. It’s a classic stadium with a gorgeous backdrop of the school and a great view of Downtown El Paso and the border. It’s a place with a lot of history and it’s a such a wonderfully unique place to catch a game.
HUNTER: I have to agree there. It’s easily one of the most underrated stadiums in the state. I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen the pictures, and it’s on my bucket list for sure.
TONY: It’s an awesome place. I know it’s harder for the rest of the state it can be to get to, but I definitely recommend checking it out. Another fun fact: The stadium is built on the side of the hill and the corners of the endzone are slightly cut off because of the space. It’s a big stadium, but it’s intimate at the same time.
HUNTER: Hard agree. I have to say, one of my favorite intimate stadiums has to be the Puncher Dome in Mason. I know that’s not technically the correct name, but it’ll always be the Puncher Dome in everyone’s hearts.
TONY: That looks like a fun place to catch a game. You certainly don’t see many stadiums with a covering like that.
HUNTER: Definitely not. For those who aren’t in the know, it’s built out of an old horse racetrack. It’s awesome, and it’s even better because Mason is good and the stadium gets really rowdy.
TONY: I might have to venture down there just to check it out. Sounds like a fun atmosphere in a unique environment. On that note, another stadium that doesn’t get much attention is Lowenberg Stadium in Canutillo. The stadium is newer but it’s the only one that I know of that has the blue turf (just like Boise State).
HUNTER: Oh man, the blue turf thing. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it, but it definitely is a unique experience.
TONY: I know with Boise State there was some issue with wearing blue jerseys. Canutillo doesn’t have that issue (they wear all orange). Venturing out of the El Paso area, I loved that I got to Ratliff Stadium for the first time during the playoffs. That’s another classic.
HUNTER: I love Ratliff Stadium too. So much history there. I feel like we talk a lot about history though, about stadiums that have been around. Let’s talk about some brand new ones. I really like the Berry Center in Cypress – that sucker has an upper deck!
TONY: I find it absolutely remarkable that more stadiums in Texas are adding upper decks and all the other bells and whistles. Some of these facilities are really nice and could suit some smaller colleges. If I weren’t so far away from these stadiums, I could definitely check more of them out.
HUNTER: Yeah, we’re both a little bit landlocked right now. There’s a ton of great stadiums out there, but I feel like the ones that we’ve mentioned are truly unique and worthy of a visit.
TONY: For sure. As for some of the newer stadiums, another one I’ve wanted to check out is Eagle Stadium at Allen. I know they had some issues, but seeing some of the pictures from that place is incredible.
HUNTER: The new Katy stadium is going to be great too. There’s so much to love about all of these stadiums.
TONY: The new Katy one is supposed to open this next season isn’t it?
HUNTER: That it is, that it is.
TONY: Good stuff. Should be another one on the list to go check out. I know we’re still in the middle of basketball season but I can’t wait until football season starts again.
HUNTER: Less than 200 days, which is what I’m clinging to at this point.
Brought to you by:
