Growing Up with Friday Night Lights
I grew up in Gwinnett County, where every high school had a real stadium, the kind of place where the whole community gathered a few times a week. People jogged the track in the mornings, climbed the bleachers for workouts, and showed up on Friday nights to cheer under the lights. It wasn’t just a sports venue; it was the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
A while back, I snapped a photo of my kids at Brookwood High School (attached below). Visiting my old stomping grounds brought back all those community memories. Playing soccer there, watching football games, graduations, etc.
When we moved to Dunwoody, my wife Sasha, she mentioned that her high school, Chamblee, didn’t have its own stadium. Instead, they shared North DeKalb Stadium with other schools. I remember thinking, that’s odd. I naively thought most every high school had their own stadium. Then I saw the place myself. “Shocking” would be putting it lightly.
Dunwoody’s Missing Piece
I love this city. And I’ve always felt that the lack of a true home field has been a missing piece in our community. Not just for the students, but the whole community. Around the time I started the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, I began hearing whispers about a generous donation, money gifted to Dunwoody High that was stuck in limbo with the DeKalb County School System. Money that was meant to build a stadium here in Dunwoody.
Then, finally, this past August, everything changed. DeKalb County released those funds and gave Dunwoody the green light to move forward. Huge thanks to Board Representative Andrew Ziffer for helping make that happen. Now that they got the go-ahead, there were a lot of pieces already in place.
Meeting the Bring It Home Campaign Team
Thursday night, the long-awaited plans for Dunwoody High’s new stadium were unveiled at a gathering in Funwoody, and the renderings look amazing. The group there was upbeat and energetic, but the thing that stood out to me the most was how young everybody was. I figured that the crowd would consist of parents of high schoolers, past football alumni, and staff from the school, but most of the attendees were younger than me. Talking with people, I realized that everyone was there for the FUTURE of Dunwoody High School, for their FUTURE students, athletes, and the broader Dunwoody community. That energy got me really excited.
A Gift That Sparked It All
Most of the funding is being kickstarted by a well-known Dunwoody High alumnus, a nationally recognized media personality who hasn’t forgotten where he came from. His generosity provided the initial push to launch this community campaign.
But that donation alone won’t complete the vision. The “Bring It Home” team is inviting the entire community to help finish the job. Every dollar raised will directly fund the stadium seating, press box, concessions, restrooms, fencing, landscaping, and a new sound system.
This is more than a construction project; it’s about building pride, unity, and a legacy that will inspire Wildcats for generations to come.
The Stadium Dunwoody Deserves
Dunwoody’s new home field will host varsity football, flag football, lacrosse, soccer, and track, right on campus. For the first time, students, parents, and alumni can cheer for the Wildcats at home.
Stadium Seating
The new stands will seat about 3,000 fans, with wider aisles and ADA access. It’s finally a place big enough for a true home crowd, a gathering space for graduations, pep rallies, and community events.
Press Box
A new press box will bring modern A/V systems, livestream capabilities, and a dedicated spot for coaches and media. It’s designed to make every play, announcement, and “Go Wildcats!” hit stronger.
Sound System
The sound system will bring clear, powerful audio to every corner of the stadium, perfect for football games, band performances, and graduation ceremonies.
Concessions & Restrooms
The new concession stand and restrooms are built for comfort and convenience. Faster lines, covered service areas, and clean, family-friendly spaces make game day better for everyone.
Ticket Booths & Landscaping
New fencing, landscaping, and ticket booths will give the stadium a professional look and an easy flow. The design is meant to welcome fans, improve safety, and make every event photo-ready.
One Family. One Field.
That’s the motto of the Bring It Home Campaign, and it couldn’t be more fitting. Dunwoody has always been a tight-knit community, and this project gives everyone a chance to be part of something historic. Parents, alumni, students, and local businesses can all contribute to building the field that will host future graduations, games, and celebrations for decades.
The donation tiers make it easy for everyone to get involved:
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$20+ – “All Paws In” (magnet and website recognition)
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$400+ – “Paw Partner” (plus yard sign and game-day program listing)
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$5,000+ – “Game Starter” (Founder’s Wall recognition)
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$15,000+ – “Game Changer” (on-field recognition and seating row naming rights)
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$25,000+ – “Legacy Wildcat” (engraved Founder’s Wall or commemorative brick)
All donations go through the Dunwoody High School Community Association, a registered nonprofit, and may be tax-deductible.
Why It Matters
The new stadium means more than convenience; it’s a chance to strengthen school pride, boost local business, and give students and families a true place to gather.
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Students get to play, perform, and graduate on their own campus.
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Parents get to celebrate milestones closer to home.
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Local restaurants and shops benefit from the added game-night crowds.
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Alumni get to give back and leave a visible legacy.
Dunwoody isn’t just building bleachers; it’s building connection, tradition, and community.
How You Can Help
The Bring It Home Campaign has set a community goal of $1.2 million, and every dollar helps move dirt. Construction will begin once the goal is met and final contracts are executed, with an estimated 9 to 12 month build time.
You can give or learn more at whatsupdunwoody.com/BringItHome.
If you’re a business owner, corporate sponsorship opportunities are available, including naming rights, event recognition, and ongoing promotional visibility.
This is the moment for Dunwoody to rally together. To show what One Family, One Field really means.
