Friday was the first night of high school football in Indiana.
But for Concord High School, Friday night was about more than a season opener against rival Elkhart.
However, it’s the beginning of a new era at Jake Field.
The Minutemen took the field at the newly renovated football complex for the first time. After a full season without a home game, this moment felt even bigger for the Minutemen.
The stands were packed, loud, and ready for kickoff.
The Minutemen took the field and fans packed the stands at the new Jake Field for the very first time.
The $14.8 million renovation kept Concord from hosting a home game last season.
The community was more than ready to welcome football back home.
“Right off the bat, I felt the intensity of everybody projected to have 8,000 people, just great. I’m definitely ready, man. I got I got the green hair, got the Concorde. I’m just ready. I’m ready to go,” said Armani Rico, Concord Middle School Student.
Former Concord football player Bob Radford said the upgraded stadium has him wishing he could suit up one more time.
“For all the years that I was here, it’s a lot more lively, a lot more elbow room and food trucks. Everything’s going on. Just great, absolutely great. 0:36 … 2:28 this is really really nice atmosphere. I would love to put back on the pads again, just one more time. They always say. So yeah, yeah, I’m really really looking for an entertaining game tonight,” said Bob Radford, former Concord High School football player.
Athletic Director Rick Court says fans were lined up before the gates even opened: proof the long wait was worth it for Concord athletes and their community.
“It’s exciting. I mean, to see our community come out with so much support, our kids come out here to practice, and and to get on the field for this first game, it’s electric. It’s just you know it’s like getting that new pair of tennis shoes, right? But it’s under your feet every day. You’re excited to be on it. You’re excited to play,” said Court.
Elkhart defeated Concord 22-20.
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