Last season, nearly 1,750 high schools from all 50 states – including the Greenwood Bulldogs — brought unmatched energy and creativity, rallying their communities and the nation, ultimately crowning Inola High School from Inola, Oklahoma the grand prize winner.
This year’s competition promises to be even bigger, with more winners, more prizes and more chances for small towns to shine on a national stage. 450 schools will win $5,000 through weekly $5K Fridays giveaways, 25 finalists will each score $25,000 for their football programs and more.
The grand prize winner will receive a $1 million football field upgrade, a renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, a consultation with stadium experience experts, an all-expense-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for select school officials and students and a tailgate party revealing the finalized upgrades in 2026.
More than 2,500 high schools across the country have pre-registered, and 36 high schools already signed up across Arkansas, including Greenwood again.
During last year’s contest, Greenwood High School Bulldog’s football team was awarded $25,000 for field improvements and moved to the second round.
Here’s How to Get in the Game:
- Eligible to high schools in towns under 150,000 residents
- Deadline to Apply: September 12
- Entry Website: www.FridayNight5GLights.com
- Entries should include a short story on why the school deserves a game-changing field transformation.
- Finalist selection will be based on creativity, need, and community spirit.
- Public voting opens Sept. 25 – Oct. 24, with bonus votes earned via weekly “Social Plays.”
- The grand prize winner will be announced on Oct. 30.
To learn more about today’s announcement, visit the newsroom.
