River Oaks in the running for nationwide contest with $1 million grand prize
River Oaks could win $1 million if it receives enough votes in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - River Oaks High School won a $25,000 grant toward rejuvenating its athletic stadium, and now they have the chance to win even more with enough community votes.
River Oaks won the grant as a top-25 finalist in T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights program. Now, they are one step closer to winning the $1 million grand prize.
The T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program highlights high school football’s ability to bring communities together.
Schools nationwide submitted applications for the program, and River Oaks was one of 55 schools in Louisiana alone to apply.
River Oaks plans to use the $25,000 they have already won to update their stadium’s infrastructure and athletic grounds damaged by flooding in 2016.
River Oaks assistant principal and assistant athletic direct, Ryan Dickson, said winning the $1 million grand prize would be life-changing for the community.
“Our school and everyone involved are constantly putting our school needs first, often having to miss work and/or family time to ensure that we have the best environment on Friday nights during football season. Winning the T-Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights contest would be monumental for our school and those who support us on a daily basis,” said Ryan Dickson, assistant principal and assistant athletic director at River Oaks.
The grand prize includes:
- $1 million
- Renovated GronkFitness weight room
- Consultation with stadium experience experts
- All-expenses-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for 16 school representatives
- Tailgate party revealing the finalized upgrades in 2026
River Oaks can win the grand prize by receiving enough votes.
Voting is open from Sept. 25 until Oct. 24. Supporters can cast one vote a day, every day, until voting closes.
T-Mobile will present River Oaks with the $25,000 check during halftime at the River Oaks vs. Prairie View Spartans game on Oct. 10.
According to a news release from T-Mobile, attendees to that game can enjoy giveaways and free concessions.
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