Bring It Home is the community campaign to give Dunwoody High School a true home field. In Podcast 310, DHS Principal Tom Bass joined me to talk about the plan for 2,000 new seats, what neighbors can expect, and how you can help.
Bring It Home is a privately funded campaign to add 2,000 seats, a press box, restrooms, and concessions to Dunwoody High School’s field in Dunwoody, Georgia. Reaching 3,000 seats meets the GHSA standard so the Wildcats can host varsity football games on campus instead of at North DeKalb Stadium.
Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch the full episode above.
What Is the Bring It Home Campaign?
Bring It Home is a community-led effort to give Dunwoody High School a real home field. The project focuses on 2,000 additional seats, an updated press box, and long-awaited amenities like restrooms and concessions. The plan also includes fencing upgrades and a green space for families to gather during games. The goal: reach a 3,000-seat capacity, the benchmark for GHSA varsity football, and finally host true home games on campus.
No more driving across town to North DeKalb Stadium. No more split “home” games. With directional sound focused toward the stands and strong parking options, this upgrade blends school pride with neighborhood practicality.
Addressing Neighbor Concerns
Some neighbors have asked about noise, parking, and traffic. The Bring It Home team has worked hard to design a plan that respects the surrounding community:
- Directional sound keeps music and announcements aimed toward the field and stands, reducing noise impact in nearby neighborhoods. The natural tree line surrounding the field also acts as a sound buffer, helping contain and soften any game-night noise.
- Limited event nights, only a handful of home football games each year, mean most weeks the field remains quiet. There will be some smaller events like soccer, lacrosse, or community pep rallies, but none draw the same crowds or traffic as varsity football nights.
- Parking and access are well planned, with onsite lots, nearby overflow partnerships, and safe walking routes from surrounding streets. Overflow parking options mentioned in the podcast include Vanderlyn Elementary School and Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, both within easy walking distance of the Dunwoody High campus.
This is a thoughtful, balanced upgrade that enhances community spirit without disrupting daily life. It’s about living in Dunwoody and actually cheering in Dunwoody.
Why Bring It Home Matters to Dunwoody
This campaign is more than concrete and aluminum. It’s about creating a shared community space. Once completed, Dunwoody High can host graduations, pep rallies, band showcases, and youth sports events. Families from Vanderlyn, Dunwoody Elementary, and Peachtree Middle will all gather under the same lights. The new setup will strengthen bonds between generations of Wildcats, past, present, and future.
If you’re moving to Dunwoody or relocating from another part of Atlanta, this type of investment tells you everything you need to know about the community. Dunwoody shows up for its kids, and this project proves it.
How It Got Approved
Dunwoody families have dreamed about this for over 20 years. Thanks to many folks including DeKalb County Board of Education District 1 representative Andrew Ziffer, the vision is finally becoming reality. The result: DeKalb officially approved Dunwoody’s plan for new seating and a press box, funded entirely by community donations.
Gifts go to the campaign’s nonprofit partner, the Dunwoody High School Community Association Inc., and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (check with your tax advisor). A major anonymous gift from a well-known DHS alum helped spark early momentum.
What You Will See on Game Day
- Expanded seating: 2,000 new aluminum seats joined to a modern home-side structure, 20 rows high with ADA access, wider aisles, and handrails. Total capacity: 3,000.
- Real restrooms and concessions: Clean bathrooms and shorter lines for hot chocolate and popcorn.
- Directional sound: Focused audio that keeps music and announcements contained to the field and stands.
- Family-friendly spaces: A green zone for kids to toss a football while parents enjoy the game.
- Easy parking: Ample onsite spots, with overflow partnerships and safe walking routes from nearby neighborhoods.
Principal Tom Bass
If you live in Dunwoody long enough, you meet Tom Bass, maybe at the 4th of July Parade or at the Brook Run baseball fields, where he somehow knows your kid by name. He has taught English, coached baseball, and now serves as principal of Dunwoody High. He has been a steady leader rallying the community around Bring It Home.
The Legacy of Coach Mike Nash
The late Coach Mike Nash helped start the Junior Wildcats football program and was a driving force behind efforts to bring varsity football home. His energy and belief in Dunwoody’s kids inspired generations. Many in the community say, “Coach Nash started this, and we’re finishing it.” Bring It Home continues the vision he championed, keeping kids close to campus, close to their mentors, and close to the heart of Dunwoody.
The Timeline
Construction begins once fundraising goals are met and contracts are signed, with a build time of about 9 to 12 months. The sooner donations come in, the sooner Dunwoody hosts home games under the lights. As the parent of an eighth grader, I want my kid on that field as a freshman.
Giving Levels
- All Paws In: start at $20, get a magnet, and join the online donor list.
- Paw Partner: add a yard sign and recognition in game-day programs.
- Game Starter and Game Changer: Founder’s Wall recognition, on-field shoutouts, and potential row naming rights.
- Legacy Wildcat: top-tier donors get permanent recognition on the Founders Wall or engraved bricks. Corporate sponsors welcome.
How to Help Bring It Home
Donate through the Bring It Home campaign. If you can get a yard sign, do it, since those signs start conversations that lead to more gifts. Businesses can explore sponsorships, and neighborhood groups can pool donations. Every gift, from $20 to $20,000, helps.
What Bring It Home Means for Dunwoody Homes
As a Dunwoody REALTOR®, I can tell you buyers notice when a community invests in its schools. Bring It Home tells families moving to Dunwoody that this town shows up for its kids. For a pregame burger, see my Dunwoody restaurant guide, and check the Dunwoody events calendar.
My Take: Friday nights belong on campus. Coach Nash started this, and Dunwoody can finish it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bring It Home
What is the Bring It Home campaign?
Bring It Home is a privately funded campaign to add 2,000 seats, a press box, restrooms, and concessions to Dunwoody High School’s field so the Wildcats can host home varsity games.
Why can’t Dunwoody High host varsity football at home now?
GHSA requires about 3,000 seats for varsity games. Dunwoody High has about 1,000, so games are played at North DeKalb Stadium.
Where will fans park?
Onsite lots plus overflow options like Vanderlyn Elementary and Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, both within walking distance.
How long will construction take?
About 9 to 12 months once fundraising goals are met and contracts are signed.
Are Bring It Home donations tax-deductible?
Gifts go to the Dunwoody High School Community Association Inc. and may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Check with your tax advisor.