Wireless carrier returns with Friday Night 5G Lights
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 1 year AGO
T-Mobile recently announced the return of its Friday Night 5G Lights competition, offering more than $4 million in prizes to high school football programs across the country.
The wireless carrier's second annual contest targets schools in towns with populations under 150,000, aiming to celebrate small-town football culture while providing financial support for athletic programs.
Last year's inaugural competition drew nearly 1,750 high schools from all 50 states. Inola High School in Oklahoma, representing a town of fewer than 2,000 residents, won the grand prize after students contacted more than 1,700 schools statewide and traveled to Oklahoma City to build support.
This year's prizes include:
• Weekly $5,000 awards for 450 schools through "$5K Fridays" giveaways
• $25,000 each for 25 finalists
• An additional $25,000 for one "Fan Favorite" chosen by T-Mobile employees
• A $1 million grand prize featuring football field upgrades, renovated weight room, stadium consultation, SEC Championship Game trip and tailgate party
Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes joins returning ambassador Rob Gronkowski as competition spokespersons. Both emphasized high school football's importance to small communities.
"Growing up in a small town in Texas, I know what high school football means to these communities," Mahomes said.
Applications open today through Sept. 12 at FridayNight5GLights.com. School officials must submit essays explaining why their programs deserve upgrades. All applicants automatically enter the weekly $5,000 sweepstakes.
A judging panel will select 25 finalists based on community impact, need and creativity. Public voting runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 24, with the grand prize winner announced Oct. 30.
The competition represents part of T-Mobile's broader rural connectivity efforts, including 5G network expansion and the upcoming T-Satellite service launching July 23.
For more information or to submit an entry for your school, go to FridayNight5GLights.com.