John McDonogh Stadium was constructed under the auspices of the Public Works Administration (PWA). The government contributed 77% of the cost and the Patrons Club contributed the balance. According to former Director of Maintenance Steve Simmers ’70, the original track and field, built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), is like “a Roman Road” with eight feet of foundation beneath the track and drainage tiles in the field. Dedicated in 1938, some 6,000 people were on hand for the 21st annual football game against Gilman. Festivities began with a parade led by a pony mascot and ended with a 13-0 victory.
As a student, Darrius Heyward-Bey ’05 dreamed of playing football under the lights in John McDonogh Stadium and promised that if he went “pro” he would donate the funds for lights. “Because,” he said, “night games are what high school football is all about.” He made good on his promise, and in September 2014, McDonogh held its first home Friday night football game in John McDonogh Stadium.
