Lebanon, OR. — Heath Stadium, a community landmark since 1957, could soon get a major overhaul thanks to a national contest sponsored by T-Mobile and the city is rallying to make it happen.
Lebanon High School has been selected as one of 25 finalists nationwide in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest, a recognition that has already secured $25,000 for stadium upgrades and put the school in the running for the $1 million grand prize in facility improvements. “This is an incredible opportunity, not just for our football program, but for every student and community member who uses Heath Stadium,” said Superintendent Jennifer Meckley. “From athletics to marching band to the district’s graduation ceremony, these upgrades would benefit the entire Lebanon community.”
The contest began with more than 2,100 applicants, and Lebanon High is the only school in Oregon to make the Top 25, a distinction that has sparked excitement across Linn County. Voting is now open through Oct. 24, and staff, students, and community members can cast one vote per day per email address to help Lebanon win.
“This is such a cool opportunity,” said Lebanon High principal Craig Swanson. “It’s a really amazing package that this community has completely rallied behind to help us earn that.” The support extends beyond the school. Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction of nearby Albany joined the campaign by coating Heath Stadium in T-Mobile’s signature magenta, a vibrant show of hometown pride.
“It was fun; it was something in our wheelhouse,” said Kris Mannale, senior business director for the company. “We had the painters. Why not us?” For longtime residents, Heath Stadium’s condition has been a growing concern. The concrete bleachers are cracked, fenced off, and riddled with exposed rebar.
“The stadium is a concrete structure with rebar. We haven’t been able to pressure wash it for years because the integrity of the concrete is so fragile that it chips,” Swanson said. “We’ve got open holes in the stadium where you can look down into the bowels of the stadium.”
With the structure deemed unsafe, the district has lost a vital gathering space. “Unfortunately, our stadium here has been deemed unsafe for use, so we no longer have the use of Heath Stadium,” Swanson said. Still, the community’s determination is clear. Booster club president Doug Phillips said the stadium has long been a defining feature of the town.
“It is a piece of our community that reaches way beyond football games and graduations,” Phillips said. “People who drive into Lebanon, it’s one of the first things they see.” Former student-athlete Wyatt King, who now runs concession stands during games, said the stadium remains deeply personal. “This is a huge part of how I grew up,” King said. “I couldn’t tell you the number of miles I’ve ran on these stairs.”
Superintendent Meckley said the contest gives Lebanon the chance to make “transformational upgrades” that will serve generations to come. “We’re asking our community to rally behind our students and help us bring this win home,” she said.
Voting is open Sept. 25-October 24.
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