Oregon — With just days left to vote, Lebanon High School’s campaign to rebuild its crumbling Heath Stadium has drawn an outpouring of support from across Oregon, and beyond, as the school fights to climb from second place to first in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.
The nationwide competition will award $1 million in stadium improvements to one high school, along with smaller grants to finalists. Lebanon, built in 1957 and now closed due to safety concerns, is the only Oregon school among 25 national finalists and has already secured a $25,000 grant.
“This is an incredible opportunity, not just for our football program, but for every student and community member who uses Heath Stadium,” said Lebanon School District Superintendent Jennifer Meckley. “We’re asking our community to rally behind our students and help us bring this win home.”
Voting remains open through October 24, with supporters able to cast one vote per day per email address at t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/h.
Community enthusiasm has surged in recent days. Local businesses, alumni, and even state leaders have joined the push to help Lebanon secure the top spot. Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction in Albany coated the stadium in T-Mobile’s signature magenta to raise awareness. Meanwhile, prominent Oregonians are amplifying the message online.
Radio host Lars Larson encouraged his followers to pitch in, writing on X:
“Lebanon, Oregon’s high school (‘Go Warriors’) has a stadium for games built in ’57 (older than me, so it’s truly old). T-Mobile is offering one school out of 2,100 in America a $1M makeover for its stadium. Lebanon made the top 25 and is currently in 2nd place. You can vote once a day (as I have been) till 10/24 and help them win.”
The Lebanon Fire District also weighed in, sharing that one of its own, firefighter and 2008 LHS graduate Russell Duerr, has been rallying support:
“Russell Duerr, Lebanon High School Class of 2008, is calling on our community to help LHS win $1 million in stadium upgrades through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest.”
And the Oregon Senate Republicans added their voice to the effort, posting:
“Vote for Lebanon High School every day until October 24th to help them win $1M to rebuild their 1957 football stadium! They’re the only Oregon school in the top 25 and have already won $25K. They’re sitting in 2nd place. Let’s bring home the W!”
For Lebanon residents, Heath Stadium represents far more than a football field. Built nearly 70 years ago, the structure’s concrete bleachers are now cracked and fenced off, with exposed rebar and open holes making it unsafe for use.
Principal Craig Swanson said the contest has united the town around a shared goal. “It’s such a cool opportunity,” he said. “This community has completely rallied behind this project to help us earn it.”
Supporters are hopeful that daily votes will push Lebanon over the top before the contest closes.
To cast a vote and help Lebanon win the $1 million stadium makeover, visit t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights/h before October 24.
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