Majority Of High School Football Moving To Elk’s Field

If you’re heading to catch high school football this season you might want to pick up a couple of lawn chairs as the majority of home games will now be played at Elks Field in the Kinsmen Sports Complex.

And with the move high school football will now be taking on an American tradition as it will be Friday nights under the lights.

The move doesn’t mean a total abandonment of Gutheridge Field - as two regular season games (one for the Cyclones and one for the Tornadoes) will be played there - but it’s a major shift in venue for high school football in Moose Jaw. A shift welcomed by many in the sport locally.

The Friday night format “gives kids a chance to come out and cheer on their buddies,” Colin Belsher head coach of the Central Cyclones said.

The move will likely change the atmosphere of the game in two ways - more students cheering and the fans right down on the sidelines and not further back like Gutheridge.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players I can’t wait to get ready and get on the field.”

For any of the players they played under lights were part of the Moose Jaw Minor Football League.

The under the lights format has proven successful for the Yorkton Raiders.

The Raiders are the only event in town but found the format brings in the fans.

A major game featuring the Central Cyclones against the Peacock Tornadoes on September 25th is expected to pack Elks Field.

The last time the two teams met at Elks Field it was a bit of a fog classic that packed out the sidelines.

Central versus Peacock at Elks Field - MJ Independent file photo

The big hope the Friday night game will encourage out more of the student body as they often can’t get out on Saturday afternoons at 1 pm. It has left the Saturday games with a lot of families and friends in the stands.

Parents and friends are still welcome but the hope is the Friday Night Lights will not only get players the opportunity to play under the lights but also get the students and others out as well.

With less bleachers at Elks Field Belsher said everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to sit along the sidelines.

“You’re right close to the field.”

Once again the Vanier Vikings will be playing all of their home games at Elks Field. It’s something the Vikings have done for the last number of years.

The Central Cylones kick off their regular season this Friday night August 28th at 7 pm versus Yorkton at Elks Field.

The Vanier Vikings will be holding a controlled scrimmage versus Yorkton August 28th at 4 pm at Elks Field.

The Peacock Tornadoes kick off their season on August 27th in Grenall.