Friday Night Under The Lights Gaining Popularity

With night games under their belts the crowd at high school football Friday Night Under the Lights continues to grow.

Any controversy of moving from daytime Saturday games to Friday nights has seemingly dissipated.

The majority of high school games have moved from paid daytime at Gutheridge Field to free night games under the lights at Elks Field.

The voices range from tentative to string in support.

We spoke to some in the high school football world what they think about the move.

Connor Taylor head coach of the Peacock Tornadoes said he liked playing a night game.

“It was great. It was a great day out here and I’m really happy that we got to play out here with Swift (Current) and have a great day,” Taylor said.

Taylor was unsure if the large Peacock contingent would have shown up for a Saturday day game like they did on Friday night under the lights.

“I’m really happy they came to support,” he said.

Bryan Boys president of the the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League (KMJMFL) is a strong supporter of the move.

“I think it’s been very positive. If you look at the crowds we bring in here. I think a lot of fans can make these games than say a 4 o’clock game on Friday,” Boys said.

“I think it’s also more enjoyable game under the lights than say a 1 o’clock game in the afternoon. It brings out all of the students as you can tell tonight I think the atmosphere was awesome,” he said.

“Both sides were having a really great time,” he said, adding that “I think it’s really going to be a really great thing in Moose Jaw.

Colin Belsher head coach of the Central Cyclones likes the night games.

He points out how the Friday night games allow more students to attend who otherwise may not show up for Saturday afternoon games.

With many of Central’s players playing in the past in the KMJMFL Belsher said it’s something they like and look forward to.

Moving to the night games has support from visiting teams as well.

Indian Head Broncs head coach Tim Klein is a big proponent of night games given what he’s witnessed in that community.

The community has invested heavily with a $350,000 football complex. A complex that’s highly popular.

“We run all night games. It just gives the community a chance to come together and see the game. When you play at 4 o’clock people are at work. They can’t make it and it is almost like a dead environment,” Klein said.

Night games have a better atmosphere he said.

“Even if we lose the game the environment for the game was fantastic.”

The Vanier Vikings have been playing night games at Elks field already for a number of days.