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We’re only in the month of May and spring football for most schools is just now cranking up, but trust me when I tell you this, it won’t seem like long before we start feeling those cool, crisp breezes, and watching the leaves change from a warm shade of green to a brilliant display of reds’, yellows’, browns’, and other amazing autumn colors.
Nearly all of us have been to a High School Football game at some point in our lifetimes. Whether as a child, a student, a player, a member of the band or cheerleading squad, a parent, or just an avid fan of your local team, High School Football is that one event that truly brings together persons of all backgrounds in the community.
The 2023 football season will be upon us, and summer workouts will begin next month. Soon 7-on-7’s will be taking place across the state, and hot and humid temperatures will blanket the Carolinas for the beginning of August practices, and the opening weeks of action.
As always here in the Southeast, the season starts hot, humid, and in some parts of our state, just plain miserable. Between the heat, the humidity, mosquitos, gnats, and dodging pop-up thunderstorms, the opening weeks of the season are always a meteorological challenge!
However, as the September autumn breeze brings in some cooler air, the games will feel cooler, cozier, and as our county and state fairs approach, the games will often have that same carnival-like fall atmosphere, complete with the smell of freshly cooked burgers, hot dogs, fish, and of course popcorn.
As someone who has been to every stadium in North Carolina, and has either watched, played in, coached in, or covered a game in 159 of them across the state, I feel I can offer a unique perspective that few others can provide.
My criteria for making this list are as follows:
You don’t rank high just by having a brand-new, overly large, or ultra-impressive stadium. Just because your stadium can seat 10,000+, it doesn’t mean that it is a great environment for football.
Often, the largest of large stadiums can feel a bit sterile, and if the angle of the seats are not high enough, or if you have a track that puts fans even further away from the game, then that certainly deducts from your value as well.
So here goes, this is my list of the Top-20 places to see a game in North Carolina, it is purely subjective, and I’ll start the list from the bottom and work my way to the top.
No. 20: Jamieson Stadium at Greensboro Grimsley
This is truly a beautiful stadium. It is incredibly large, and can seat upwards of 10,000 fans, but it is steeped in tradition, it’s very well-kept, and it is a wonderful place to watch a game.
Except for one year when there was construction on the campus, Jamieson Stadium has hosted the East-West All-Star game played each July, an event that has been going on since 1949, and if you had to select just one game to see in this venue, it would most certainly have to be when Grimsley goes up against the arch-rival Page Pirates.
To really improve the appearance of the facility, the coaches and administration added many new modern decals, signs, and fresh paint to make this place pop, and the addition of new restroom facilities was far overdue as well.
No. 19: James H. Donnell Jr. Stadium at South Rowan
So no, this isn’t a homer pick, I didn’t include the stadium just because I graduated from the school and remain a fan of the Raiders to this day. If you need proof, just make a trip one fall to China Grove to see a game for yourself.
The stadium is nestled among some beautiful pine trees to one side, and the administration, boosters, and supporters of the school really know how to put on a first-class sporting event.
Aside from having one of the nicest manicured grass fields in the state and a unique stadium design, the food is always fresh and smells great, and Public Address announcer Randy Bare, who is in his 39th year of announcing games for the schools is among the best in the state at fairly and unbiasedly calling the action.
No. 18: John Gamble Stadium at Kings Mountain
Always one of my favorite places to see a big game, this stadium has it all. From the large concrete seating areas to the large concession stands, this place is great at hosting big-time games; and being in the heart of Cleveland County, they often do host large crowds with more than 5,000 fans and highly impactful games.
The Kings Mountain Touchdown Club has done a great job in helping the school funnel funds into the facilities, and everything is first class from the turf field on down to the field house and weight rooms.
Having a team that is always near the top of the rankings is also a plus too, and you can always count on the Mountaineers hosting some big playoff games in late November and early December.
No. 17: Charles Richard Powers Stadium at East Duplin
What this stadium may lack in size, it surely makes up for it ten-times over in excitement, closeness to the action on the field, and the high-energy atmosphere.
When you buy a ticket to see the Panthers play, you can count on a great seat, right on the field, and you know that you are going to see a great product on the field.
Fans in Beulaville are very football savvy and love their Panthers, they often come out in droves to see their young athletes in action.
For the best chance to see a great game, catch a home game there against any of their top traditional rivals like Wallace-Rose Hill, Southwest Onslow, or James Kenan, and you’ll leave very happy with the experience.
No. 16: Kannapolis Memorial Stadium at A.L. Brown
I always feel that this is one of the crown-jewel stadiums in all of North Carolina. It has it all from the brilliant Kelly-Green paint coating the walls to the new turf field, large concessions and restroom facilities, newly paved walkways, and the ever-popular overflow banks that attract many locals with their blankets and lawn chairs, and helps the stadium hold upwards of 10,000+ fans during the big games.
I’ve often called this the Wrigley Field of North Carolina stadiums because of the historic Mill Houses that dot the fence line behind visitor side stands, and because of the well-known ‘Plummer’s Perch, a man-made skybox of sorts that is decked out with a neon “K” and flashing lights that overlooks the stadium.
If you’ve ever attended a Bell Game at the stadium, North Carolina’s oldest continuous rivalry game against arch-rival Concord, and especially some of those classic battles played from the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, or a backyard donnybrook against neighboring foe South Rowan from the 70’s through the 2000’s, then you’ll know that the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium is second to none.
The one drawback here is a lack of good parking options and the because of the angle of the hill and the track, the seats are a decent distance from the playing field, but those factors aren’t enough to remove Kannapolis Memorial Stadium from my list.
No. 15: Robert C. Bailey Memorial Stadium at Concord
Just like I mentioned above, Bailey Stadium has hosted some epic Bell Game battles over the years. When you walk down the paved path from the parking lot atop the hill at the school building, through the dense trees, and down into the stadium, you get the feel of walking down into a wooded valley.
Whether it is the scary spider that is painted on the weight room overlooking the field, the well-lit fieldhouse that sits about six stories high above field level atop the hill, or the great games on the field, Concord provides fans with a great show.
The black yard-line stripes and the large spider web logo at midfield are well known to prep football fans statewide and help give Bailey Stadium its signature look.
No. 14: Cushwa Stadium at Thomasville
Talk about a stadium steeped in tradition and excellence, Cushwa Stadium, named in memory of longtime Thomasville football coach George Cushwa, is one of the historical treasures in North Carolina.
The home grandstands are an impressively large structure, and the visiting stands are really close to the action on the field, giving fans a great opportunity to see all the plays made that night.
Everything in the stadium is painted in red and black, and the school coaches, administrators, and staff really know how to put on a tremendous show for the fans.
No. 13: Hoyle Field at Roanoke Rapids
Named for coach James Cranford Hoyle, this is another stadium that is small but packs a powerful punch. This is a truly historical place with a beautiful castle-like school building overlooking fans in the south endzone.
Played right in town, the stadium sits on street level at the corners of Hamilton and 7th streets and gives fans a very cozy feel watching the gridiron action from the small, but close bleachers right on top of the coaches and players.
No. 12: Lineberger Stadium at South Point
This stadium is truly special. It is top-notch in every way, from the perfectly cut grass to the red and black paint that adorns this beautiful facility. If this award was given to the most well-cared-for stadium, Lineberger Stadium would probably be atop the list without any close competitors.
Looking back at the tradition of the Red Raiders and all the big games played here, the energy and excitement are always high, and the fans from Belmont love their team and come out in droves. They even have a special covered section at field level for their boosters to watch the game from in the end zone.
Visiting teams don’t always fare well here, but nobody leaves a loser because whether your team was ahead on the scoreboard or not, you leave knowing you saw a great event in a truly wonderful stadium.
No. 11: George Blanton Memorial Stadium at Shelby
Right in the heart of football country, schools and fans in Cleveland County just do it differently than almost every other community in North Carolina. To me, this county provides more of an SEC college-type atmosphere versus the rest of the state being more of an ACC-like state.
As soon as you arrive on campus, you’ll see how beautiful it is all laid out, the parking is ample, the athletic facilities are amazing, and the stadium itself, complete with a large brick press box complex is clearly one of the best environments in the state for football.
Of course, having one of the top football programs in the state helps in providing the atmosphere, but the fans and community help contribute immensely to the buzz of attending a game here. Come late November, if your team is out of the playoffs, take a trip to Shelby, there is a high probability that the Golden Lions will be hosting a big-time game that you can take in.
No. 10: Charles R. Gregory Stadium at Randleman
In the minutes prior to the game when the anticipation for the upcoming contest is at a fever pitch, the Randleman Tigers football players come roaring out of the midfield tunnel from under the bleachers, and shades of orange and blue uniforms come running through the smoke and burst through the cheerleaders sign towards the home fans on the opposite end of the field.
That incredible entrance alone makes seeing a game in Randleman an item listed high on your prep football bucket list.
Also, whether it’s the fact that there isn’t a track surrounding the game field, which puts the fans right on top of the action, or just the sheer beauty of this lovely facility, watching a game in Randleman is always a treat for both home and visiting fans alike. This community really supports its program and the show they put on for the fans on Fridays proves it.
No. 9 (Tie) C.E. Weatherby Stadium and Pisgah Memorial Stadium at Tuscola and Pisgah
It’s hard to rank either of these stadiums or fan experiences above the other, because in my mind, they both stand tall together as these two Haywood County communities love and support their schools, their football programs, and young athletes.
Call me lucky, I’ve attended the epic battle between these two communities’ numerous times, and at both stadiums. The spectacle alone is well worth the travel time and expense to get there, and often, the show is so good, I feel I should pay some more money as I go out the door.
Even when these two teams aren’t playing one another, they host some great games and the fans always come out in full force.
If your team is lucky enough to play either of these Haywood County teams in the playoffs, you should certainly make sure that you take that trip up the mountain because the journey and experience will be well worth it.
No. 8: Bill Taylor Field at James Kenan
There is just something about seeing a game at this stadium that is magical to me. Maybe it is the feel of going back in time to the 1950’s or 60’s where the fans lined the fields on all four sides watching the epic battles played against the arch-rival Wallace-Rose Hill Bulldogs.
There is no track, and hardly any room at all from the sidelines to the edges of the bleachers, thus putting fans right in the middle of the action. You can clearly hear conversations between the coaches, officials, and players, and even hear what is said on the game field, making this an action-packed place to view a ballgame.
The one drawback with the small size of the stands may be sightlines and being able to see the entire field, but the energy created by this stadium would equal or exceed that of larger stadiums across the state.
No. 7: Memorial Stadium at Mitchell
There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Memorial Stadium, and the views of the mountains, both behind the stadium, and off in the distance are as beautiful as one could imagine, especially in the fall when the leaves are at their peak. Sometimes getting to the stadium itself can be a chore, it is high on the hill above the school and the parking lots, and it is a hike up to the gates, but once you arrive inside the facility, the environment is festive, the taste and smell of the food is wonderful, they always provide wonderful hospitality, and the action on the field is equally great.
Be prepared for a lot of purple painted everywhere, and don’t forget to be in your seats to watch the Mountaineer players seemingly come out of the woods, running down from the mountain, before bursting out onto the field for the opening kickoff.
No. 6: The Panther Pit at Franklin
Franklin is far and away my most favorite town in Western N.C. There is just something about how the locals have always accepted me and treated me, and the coaches and staff at the school have always been delightful.
The community supports their team as good, or better than any place I’ve visited in the state, and they love some good football action.
The athletic complex is always in tip-top shape, and you’ll even see fans sitting in their front yards across the street watching the games. Take my advice, plan a trip this fall to Franklin to watch the Panthers, you won’t regret it.
No. 5: Raider Stadium at Richmond
Talk about magic and mystic, Raider Stadium provides all of that and more. The facility itself is always impeccable, the green and gold paint certainly lets you that that you are in Richmond County, and the large billboard-like signs that hang from the concrete walls that surround the field honors the countless players, championship teams, and great coaches of the past.
Also, the fact that the Raiders always play an aggressive schedule means that you are highly likely to see a great contest, and of course you should plan to catch the Raiders at home against rival Scotland County, because the stadium will be packed for hours before the scheduled kickoff, and you’ll be able to feel the excitement and energy reverberate through your body.
In an addition that was just installed prior to the 2019 season, the epic lightshows put on by the flashing LED stadium lights are also a fun addition, and give the Raiders a great home field advantage.
No. 4: American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte
This is the granddaddy of all big-time stadiums in the state. There have been so many great games played in this incredible venue that sits in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.
If you are lucky, or just old like me, you possibly saw a Shrine Bowl game there that was packed with 20,000+ supportive fans, and throughout the 1980’s, 90’s, and mid 2000’s, it was not uncommon to see upwards of 10-to-15,000 fans packed inside for some classic playoff contests and even a state championship game.
The complex was recently renovated so it has cut the capacity down from over 20,000 at its max to just at 10,000 seats today, but the views of the skyline and the historic nature of the venue make for an incredible night of football.
No. 3: Jack Holley Football Complex at Wallace-Rose Hill
Appropriately renamed the Jack Holley Football Complex following the coaching icon’s death in 2013, Legion Stadium and Thell B. Overman Field is a must-visit game destination for any diehard football fan in this state.
I’ve often called this stadium the Fenway Park of North Carolina prep football fields, and the history and aura that you feel while in attendance is unmatched by most any other stadium in the state.
The historic field is in an old football-baseball setup with old concrete walls, and the seating areas are very close to the sidelines. For the big-time games, especially those against James Kenan or East Duplin, fans line the field, sometimes three to four rows deep just trying to catch a glimpse of the players, and those diehards that follow football in that football-hungry community are some of the most knowledgeable football fans around, and they don’t mind shouting out how they feel about the game to opposing fans, players, and coaches.
If you make the trip down to Duplin County to see a game here, I promise that you won’t leave disappointed.
No. 2: Big Oaks Stadium at Robbinsville
The name Big Oaks itself certainly does it justice, there are some large majestic oak trees that sit above the home grandstands that give the stadium its name. If the lovely trees don’t do it for you, the history of playing in one of the top football programs in the state’s house will certainly give you pause, because I feel this would be like the Cameron Indoor Stadium of prep stadiums in comparison.
Like with many of these top stadiums, those who built this stadium many, many years ago, did so without a track, and by doing so, but the fans right on top of the action.
The sightlines from the tall home side give the home spectators a great view of the entire field, and those on the visitor’s sidelines are right on top of the action, almost giving them the feel that they too are in the game.
Add to this, all the excitement and energy of being in one of the most historic, and iconic stadiums in the state, and mix it with the old-school, smashmouth style of play that many of the Western N.C. teams still play with, and that gives you a night for football that you won’t soon forget.
If you were looking to make the trip to Robbinsville, I would suggest taking in a game against Murphy or Swain County, and there are some good restaurants in town too, so go check them out!
No. 1: Keffer Stadium at Charlotte Catholic
This is it, the best of the best when it comes to the top place in North Carolina to watch a High School Football game. I promise you that you won’t find a better big-game venue than at Jim Oddo Field at Keffer Stadium.
Yes, the stadium is relatively small, it probably can’t pack in more than about 3,000 fans, but the horseshoe like field with bleachers on three sides that are elevated above the field, and it puts fans mere feet from the sidelines.
Fans are so close to the sidelines in fact, that they had to install padding on the walls and fencing just to prevent player injuries.
The screaming student section in the end zone makes playing in that part of the field hard for opposing teams and has become a factor in overtime games in the past, such as the seven-overtime victory over Kings Mountain in 2019 to advance to the 3A State Championship game.
Additionally, the Cougars are always in the mix to win a state title so therefore we’ve almost lost count the amount of high-level playoff games played here over the years, but you can do yourself a favor and get to a game here and enjoy the electric atmosphere for yourself.
My only advice is to arrive super early because traffic in South Charlotte can be tough to deal with, so for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff, I would try to be making your way through the city no later than 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.
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Well, there you have it folks, this is my list of the Top-20 best places to see a game at in North Carolina. I can’t restate it enough, it’s not the best stadiums, just the best places to see a game. We’ll do another listing of the top stadiums another time!
