Menasha’s beloved Calder Stadium, still bearing the damage from the 2024 tornado, has entered the national T‑Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights sweepstakes. The program hopes a $1 million grand prize—or the $250 000 regional award—will fund the multi‑million‑dollar repairs needed to restore the bleachers, press box and lighting.
How the contest works
Forty high‑school football programs were selected for the sweepstakes, each receiving a $25 000 seed grant. Ten of those programs now compete for the Central region’s $250 000 prize. The four regional winners will face off for the $1 million top prize.
Menasha’s current standing
As of Friday evening, Menasha trails first‑place McClain High School in Greenfield, Ohio, by roughly 22 000 votes. Residents can cast one vote per day through October 25, so every vote counts.
Voices from the team
Senior quarterback Deacon Quick urged the community, “Go out and vote. This is a great opportunity for Menasha.” Head coach Jeramie Korth added, “We’d like to get everybody’s support in this.” Both emphasized the importance of the funds for getting the stadium back to its pre‑tornado condition.
Why the stadium matters
The tornado ripped through Calder’s bleachers, demolished the press box and bent a light pole. With the home field unusable, the Chargers have been playing their games at Lawrence University’s Banta Bowl. Quick said, “I grew up around Calder all my life. Being able to play at the Banta Bowl is a blessing, but having our own stadium again would be a true blessing for the community and future students.”
Projected timeline and costs
Coach Korth estimates the total repair cost will run into several million dollars. He hopes the stadium could be ready for the next fall season, though he acknowledges the timeline is uncertain. “I have faith the people will make it happen one way or another,” he said, “but this would definitely help push it over the edge and allow us to be successful.”
Community impact
The stadium is more than a sports venue; it’s a gathering place for families, a source of local pride, and a symbol of Menasha’s resilience. Restoring it will allow students to return to a familiar setting and keep the town’s football tradition alive for years to come.
Residents can vote daily at the contest’s website until October 25. Each vote brings Menasha one step closer to rebuilding Calder Stadium and restoring a central hub for community life.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
