News Summary

T-Mobile has relaunched its Friday Night 5G Lights Contest, supporting high school football programs in smaller communities. This year’s contest features a promotional commercial shot at Crest Ridge High School, starring NFL icons and expanded participation across Missouri, Kansas, and beyond. With significant monetary prizes for schools, the initiative emphasizes community spirit and the importance of upgrading school facilities to enhance safety and functionality.

Centerview, Missouri

T-Mobile has announced the continuation of its Friday Night 5G Lights Contest, which aims to support high school football programs in communities with populations under 150,000. This year, the contest returns with a star-studded commercial filmed at Crest Ridge High School, featuring NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Rob Gronkowski. The promotional video was released on July 18, 2025, signaling the kick-off for the 2025 season.

Crest Ridge is located approximately one hour from Kansas City, and the Crest Ridge School District emerged victorious in last year’s contest, earning the right to host the commercial shoot. The event included Mahomes interacting with Crest Ridge High School players, emphasizing the vital role of high school football in fostering community spirit.

This year’s contest has expanded to include participation from over 150 high schools in Missouri and Kansas and more than 2,500 schools nationwide. Crest Ridge High School, which was a finalist in the previous iteration of the contest, is looking to build on its momentum.

Contest Structure and Prizes

In 2025, T-Mobile plans to distribute $5,000 every week to 450 schools through the $5K Fridays giveaways. Additionally, 25 finalists will each receive $25,000 for their respective football programs. The grand prize winner will benefit from a $1 million football field upgrade, alongside a renovated weight room provided by Gronk Fitness. They will also gain access to consultations on improving stadium experience, and selected officials and students will enjoy an all-expense-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game, plus a tailgate party in 2026.

Voting and Community Impact

Public voting for the contest is scheduled from September 25 to October 24, with the grand prize winner set to be announced on October 30. Crest Ridge High School’s football field and facilities are currently outdated and require significant safety upgrades. Students, including quarterback Wesley Taylor and cheerleader Elaina Wilhite, have highlighted issues like uneven ground and limited facilities capable of hosting only football games.

As recognition for being a finalist, Crest Ridge High School recently received a $25,000 grant from T-Mobile. The school aims to leverage this opportunity to seek further upgrades that would improve the safety and utility of their facilities, enabling them to serve the community better.

How to Support Crest Ridge High School

Voting is crucial for Crest Ridge High School’s chances in the contest. Community members and supporters can participate by liking the school’s video on Instagram, which could significantly enhance their likelihood of winning.

In summary, T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights Contest not only promotes high school football but also fosters community involvement and support for essential upgrades in educational facilities. The program’s expansion this year marks an exciting opportunity for participating schools and their communities.

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Additional Resources

• KMZU: Mahomes, Gronkowski, and Crest Ridge High School
• Kansas City Star: For Pete’s Sake
• Fox 4 KC: Mahomes, Gronkowski help at Crest Ridge
• Sedalia Democrat: Crest Ridge joins Mahomes, Gronkowski
• KSHB: Johnson County school in running for $2M upgrade
• Wikipedia: High School Football
• Google Search: T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights Contest
• Google Scholar: Crest Ridge High School
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Voting
• Google News: T-Mobile High School Football

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.