With the high school sports season behind us, it’s time to look back and look at the best.
This is the seventh poll in a series the Journal Star will roll out this summer, asking readers to select various superlatives across the 2024-25 season — including top team, coach, plus male and female athlete. We also selected the top gym, earned by Lewistown high school.
It’s time to name the best Peoria-area football stadium. Head to pjstar.com/sports to vote. The poll closes at noon Friday. Information about the nominees is below.
Last week, Manual vs. Peoria High was named the fans’ choice for the best high school rivalry.
Babcook Field, Washington
Washington boasts what has been called a “comfortable stadium that blends small-town feel with big-time venue.” The Panthers were one of the first local schools to install artificial turf, then totally updated its bleachers. The home-side now seats 2,500, giving Washington a capacity of around 5,500.
Jim McDonald Field, Deer Creek-Mackinaw
This is arguably the best small-school field, not only locally, but statewide. The Chiefs, who opened their stadium in 2017, have a great artificial turf field to go with LED lighting, a combo concessions and restroom area. There’s a really nice main entry plaza where it offers a great reveal to the facility named after the former longtime Dee-Mack coach.
Malone Field, Metamora
There’s plenty of tradition upon entering the Redbird Country stadium. Nearly new bleachers provide fans with an incredible viewing experience, while the sights, sounds and especially smells — freshly grilled pork chops — make for a memorable time. Plus, Metamora has now added artificial turf, making their home field even more impressive.
Memorial Stadium, Pekin
Pekin Memorial Stadium is one of the more unique local stadiums, as well as the biggest. Big home-side, concrete bleachers are part of a venue that can reach a capacity of 10,400. The all-grass surface provides an old-school feel for a facility that opened in 1948. This is a great place to watch a game regardless of your allegiances.
Peoria Stadium
Just two years ago, the 130-year-old iconic facility went under an $11 million upgrade. Artificial turf along with brand-new visiting-side, concrete bleachers were much needed. New lights to go with a state-of-art video board has helped the home of Peoria High and Manual become one of the top-tier local facilities.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Who has the best high school football stadium around Peoria? Vote in our poll
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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