High school sports are the highlight for many local communities, giving athletes the opportunity to show their skills for the area that they grow up in. Cheering for them is easy, and seeing them win brings out a special feeling that many sports teams cannot elicit regardless of how long you have supported them. There is just something about cheering for your peers, your sons or daughters, or your neighbor's kids that make high school sports so magical, and perhaps part of that magic comes from the atmosphere built up in games.
The atmosphere is largely due to games being held in a stadium, perhaps the first for many student athletes, but no stadium is complete without a press box. An essential addition for any sporting facility, it serves as a designated area for journalists, announcers, and statisticians to provide coverage for the event. However, despite the role they have for the overall game, they can also be important entertainers as well. For example, imagine a playoff soccer game in the last five minutes of extra time. The game is locked in a tense tie, with either team looking likely to break the deadlock with every attack, when all of a sudden a chance breaks out and your striker is through on goal with just the keeper to beat. The crowd is going crazy, urging them on and despite the pressure, they slot it coolly into the corner as if they are 5-0 up. The crowd is jumping, whooping, and hollering shouting support to their friend as they run to meet each other, separated by the railings but still reaching out to touch greatness. Up in the press box, statistic filled papers are flying everywhere as they have their own party, and over the loudspeaker an elongated "Gooalllll!!!" is yelled out loud enough for everyone in a two mile radius to hear, followed by the name and number of the player who will be immortalized for the coming weeks.
Although not exactly in the stands, those in the press box create a connection with the audience, helping those who may be inexperienced in the game follow along and providing an additional element of excitement when required. They are important to the feel of high school games and a very appreciated asset to fans. The State of Michigan is seeking proposals for the construction of a soccer press box in the Pinconning Area School District. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes February 13, 2025 at 1:30 EST.