Home / Sports / El Paso: Birthplace of Texas Friday Night Lights
El Paso: Birthplace of Texas Friday Night Lights
27 Oct
Summary
- El Paso High School's R.R. Jones Stadium hosted the first Friday night games in 1928.
- The historic stadium resembles ancient Rome and has unique architecture.
- Over 10,000 fans attended the inaugural game, setting an early attendance record.
El Paso, Texas, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the iconic Texas Friday Night Lights tradition. The historic R.R. Jones Stadium, located on the campus of El Paso High School, hosted the state's inaugural Friday night football games on September 29, 1928.
That historic game saw the El Paso High School Tigers defeat the Alpine Ross Cubs 26-0 before an astonishing crowd of over 10,000 spectators. The stadium itself, known for its resemblance to ancient Roman architecture, was equipped with permanent outdoor lighting, a first for Texas stadiums.
This pioneering event in 1928 predates similar traditions in other major Texas cities, solidifying El Paso's foundational role in shaping Texas high school football culture. The stadium has since been recognized nationally for its historical significance and unique design.
