Thousands pour into new stadium for opening game

Fans packed the new stadium for the first game.

 by Lucas Hart, 11, and Gabe Martinez, 12

A little rain couldn’t keep Waller from showing their community pride at the stadium grand opening last Friday. Thousands of people flooded the new facility in a massive showing of school spirit  and support for Waller ISD. Although a strong thunderstorm hit the area in the late afternoon, the weather cleared up enough for all events to proceed as scheduled.

The day started at 9:00 a.m. with a tailgate party and featured various community groups, local business, and school organizations. Many of the organizations gave out free food, drinks, and items including footballs and koozies. Fire trucks, a moonwalk, and a DJ provided additional entertainment prior to the football game.

WHS students played important roles in the pre-game festivities. The marching band and the cheerleaders led a processional from the high school to the new stadium. The cross country team ran the game ball from the old stadium to the new stadium, kicking off the game.

During the pregame, the choir sang “Amazing Grace” as the ROTC dedicated the memorial. They later sang the national anthem during the presentation of colors. A small fireworks display and a missing man flyover formation ended the patriotic performance.

 The Bulldogs huddled in the new inflatable Dog House while an intimidating Metallica riff introduced the team’s video on the new instant replay score board. The Bulldogs faced the LaMarque Cougars in the first game of the year.

During the halftime show, various groups and organizations participated in the ribbon cutting. The maroon ribbon stretched from in zone to in zone. Fireworks and special guests raised the excitement level.

The new stadium was packed and even had Waller fans moving to visitors’ side  for overflow seating. Cars had to park on the grass and traffic backed up for miles on Stokes and Waller Spring Cypress roads.

At the end of the game, the celebration continued with an extensive fireworks display, which concluded an exciting and important day for Waller ISD and the surrounding community.

“The stadium presentation was exceptional and successful,” said English Teacher Mel Daigle.

WHS teachers Mrs. Cherith Wells and Coach Lauren Blinka were the event coordinators for the grand opening.