Skyline High School advances in national competition for $1 million field upgrade

IDAHO FALLS — Skyline High School is one step closer to possibly getting a $1 million home field upgrade after being named a finalist in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights competition.

The school is among the top 40 in the nation and one of 10 in the western United States that has already won $25,000 in the annual contest. If it triumphs over the other schools in the West division, it’ll receive $250,000 and a weight room upgrade.

“Being named in the top 40 is an incredible honor for Skyline,” said Skyline Principal Josh Newell in a news release. “It is a reflection of the players, coaches, families, alumni, and the entire community who continue to show up and believe in these kids.”

Skyline competed against nearly 2,500 schools nationwide, hoping to win the $1 million field upgrade. This is the third year in a row that Skyline has won a $5K Friday award, the first level of the national competition.

But this is the first time the Grizzlies, or anyone else in the area, has advanced to the Division Finals.

To win the division and the $250,000, Skyline must receive the most community votes. Anyone with a cell phone number can vote, once a day, until Oct. 25. Community members can vote by visiting FridayNight5GLights.com or using the T-Life app.

“We are proud to represent Skyline and Idaho Falls,” Newell said. “We are grateful to everyone who has helped make this possible and will continue to support us in our efforts to reach the next level of the sweepstakes.”

T-Mobile is partnering with the school to host a tailgating party before the football game against the Hillcrest Knights on Friday. It will be held at 5 p.m. at Ravsten Stadium, and the community is invited. There will be music, free food, yard games and a check presentation before kickoff.

One school from each division – West, Midwest, South and East — will advance to the final round.  Division Champions will be announced Oct. 29. Final voting runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 8, with the grand prize winner announced Nov. 12.    

HOW TO VOTE FOR SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL

Anyone with a mobile phone number can vote, once a day, until Oct. 25. Community members can vote by visiting FridayNight5GLights.com or using the T-Life app.