11-07-2025
Manley: Top 10 high school football stadiums in South Sound (Nos. 5 through 1)
In news meetings with co-workers, on phone calls with coaches and athletic directors or just in chats with friends, facilities are always a topic of conversation. I've covered high school sports in the area for over a decade and have watched football games all over the South Sound.
I started thinking the other day about some of the worst and best high school stadiums I've been to. Frankly, not all the facilities are great. I've been crammed into hot, sweaty press boxes the size of broom closets, have climbed slick ladders onto rooftops to cover games and have waited in my fair share of lines to use bathrooms that are about the size of a New York City studio apartment.
But in the spirit of positivity, I'll focus on the area's best stadiums, because there are a handful that shine.
The criteria:
First and most importantly, I'm looking for places that pass the vibe check — places that routinely have good crowds and just feel like Friday nights. The kind of places that make you pause and soak it in at some point during the game.
Secondly, I'm looking for places with a good viewing experience, adequate seating (preferably covered) and reasonably-sized press boxes. Bonus points for stadiums with modern amenities, spacious and clean bathrooms, sufficient parking lots and easily accessible concession stands.
Lastly, places that have character or something unique or special to offer — that place in Tacoma where they filmed a movie once comes to mind.
Stadiums that excel in one category may be forgiven for shortcomings in others. As with any Top 10 list, I realize there's a certain level of subjectivity here. Plenty will disagree with these rankings and that's fine. Some stadiums hold sentimental value to people that I don't share. Send me an email or a note with your top picks — I'd love to hear them. Here's my Top 10.
Note: This list is split into two parts (Nos. 10 through 6, then Nos. 5 through 1).
5. Lincoln Bowl, Tacoma
In a sea of dingy, soulless, metal bleacher-constructed high school football stadiums, Tacoma's two bowls stand out as timeless and unique. Sitting in the shadow of the high school, seating capacity is never an issue. What the bowl lacks in modern amenities and adequate parking, it makes up for in loads of character. While it might not have the views that Stadium Bowl does, Lincoln's program has been the standard of competitive football in Tacoma in recent years. Lots of big games have been played over the years at Lincoln Bowl, which is Tacoma, through and through.
4. Sunset Chev Stadium, Sumner
Sumner's booming community is probably outgrowing this stadium, but there's something magical about watching games here on Friday nights — equal parts packed house and the entertainment value that comes from watching longtime coach (and 2024 Class 4A state champion) Keith Ross run up and down the sideline, losing his voice, throughout the game. Parts of the stadium are beginning to feel dated, but Sunset Chev still has a solid amount of seating and gets an A for the crowd, community feel and a top-notch marching band. The vibes always deliver in Sumner.
3. Stadium Bowl, Tacoma
The school's Castle-esque design has drawn comparisons to the fictional Hogwarts, and the sweeping views of Commencement Bay are iconic. So iconic, in fact, the stadium was the shooting site of the film, '10 Things I Hate About You.' Stadium's views match up against any in the country and based on views alone, it would take the No. 1 spot on this list. But some things are working against it: the field's orientation makes some of the seating feel far away from the action; the field itself is prone to flooding; the facilities are dated and amenities are lacking; and, lastly, the steep climb is a deterrent for some. Stadium Bowl has the potential to be the shining jewel of outdoor multi-use athletic facilities in the state, but unlocking that potential would require a significant financial investment from Tacoma Public Schools and perhaps local government that seems unlikely to come any time soon. For now, though, there's no better place to watch a game on a warm Friday night in September.
2. Mount Tahoma Athletic Stadium, Tacoma
One of the newer stadiums on the list, Mount Tahoma's state-of-the-art football stadium (and newly constructed south Tacoma school) opened in 2004. The home of the T-Birds has all the amenities: 5,000-plus seating capacity, covered seating on both sides, a bright scoreboard, large bathrooms and locker rooms, built-in concessions and a large parking lot. Bonus points for press box space and ADA accessibility, with an elevator included on the home side. It's a good place to watch a football game and also hosts the state track and field championships every year.
1. Sparks Stadium, Puyallup
To me, Sparks is the gold standard of high school football stadiums in the area, and perhaps the state. It houses a seating capacity of around 5,000. The stadium was renovated and expanded in 1987 when covered grandstands were constructed on both sides. Located just northwest of the Puyallup Fair — er, sorry, Washington State Fair grounds — Sparks is home to Puyallup, Rogers and Emerald Ridge high schools. It's not the newest stadium on the list, but I think this stadium is evidence that something done right the first time will stand the test of time. Sparks has plenty of covered seating, spacious press boxes, good concession stands, good bathrooms, good lighting and a well-maintained turf playing surface. The crowds are always lively, and there's a strong tradition of athletic success in the Puyallup School District. The covered seating on both sides is a huge plus during the late fall months. Sparks is the total package.
