Two Southwest Arkansas Schools Enter T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights Contest

Last year, Dierks High School rallied nearly 2 million votes from across the country to win T-Mobile’s $1 million football field transformation.

The victory was especially meaningful for the small town of Dierks, which has a population of about 900. Farmers, small business owners, welders, teachers, cafeteria workers and others across the community came together to support their school.

Organizer Krystal Greene told Southwest Arkansas Radio that while the community had a lot of fun participating in the contest, they are now looking forward to unveiling the new “Million Dollar Holler.”

The field transformation will be unveiled during Dierks’ first home football game on September 11, followed by a T-Mobile dedication ceremony on September 18.

Dierks’ victory has inspired two other Southwest Arkansas school districts to take their shot at winning a share of this year’s prize money.

Greene said the community’s win was an amazing experience, and Dierks residents will do whatever they can to help their Southwest Arkansas neighbors.

The Foreman School District in Little River County and the Cossatot River School District in Polk County are competing in this year’s T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest.

This year’s prize package is twice the size of last year’s investment.

Both schools are eligible to win $5,000 through the weekly $5K Fridays giveaway. The competition will also feature 40 division finalists, with each receiving $25,000.

Four Division Champions will each receive $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym valued at $90,000 and a $5,000 student leadership award.

The grand prize winner will receive a $1 million football field upgrade, while one Fan Favorite school will receive an additional $25,000.

Greene said winning will require entire communities to get behind their schools. She also noted that some Dierks residents are disappointed they will not be able to participate in the T-Mobile pep rallies again this year.

Public voting begins October 8 and continues through October 25. Everyone can vote once per day at FridayNight5GLights.com.

The grand prize winner will be announced November 12.