Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Spirit Communication Park is known as the home for the Columbia Fireflies baseball team but on Friday, it will host the first ever South Carolina High School football game at a ballpark.
Fairfield Central Head Coach, Demetrius Davis, has been to a Fireflies game before. "I went and watched one of the fireflies games here back in the spring," said Davis. "It's a great facility."
Many people in the Midlands thought that this stadium would only be used for baseball. But the President of the Fireflies, John Kats, believes the stadium can be used for much more. So why not turn the baseball diamond into a football gridiron?
"It was our goal all along," said President Katz. "This ball park was designed for more than just baseball and this is kind of the first showcase event for us. We can show that we're designed for football. We're designed for concerts. We're designed for soccer. This wouldn't just be a baseball park because it's so much more."
Ridge View's Head Coach Perry Parks is prepping his team in what has been a historical season for them so far.
"It's going to be a unique," said Coach Parks. "Old school feel, playing with some clay on the field. It's such a great setting. The city of Columbia did such a good job. Funding that ballpark and for them to come in and let the local high schools play in it, we're excited."
Coach Davis for Fairfield Central believes this is will not only be a great experience for his players, but for the entire community.
"It's going to be a great opportunity," said Davis. "It's going to be a great opportunity for all these students, cheerleaders, bands, fans, our administration. Everybody is going to have an opportunity to come to a very nice park and watch a good football game."
"This is an unbelievable facility and to have the opportunity to line up and take your snaps on a beautiful new venue like this, I think it's going to be something these kids are going to remember for the rest of their lives," said Katz.
A new stadium and a new setting for high school football, the perfect formula for an unforgettable experience.