Central High School Prepares To Have First Football Stadium In 114 Years

For the first time in more than 100 years, students at Tulsa Central High School will have a true home-field advantage.

The construction of their new football stadium is happening now.

Wide receiver Ty'ionn Cox said next season he hopes to have three touchdowns a game on Central High Schools brand new multimillion-dollar football stadium. 

"When I first heard the news, it was music to my ears," Cox said.

For the past 114 years, the Tulsa Central Braves have been playing their home games on the road, at either Booker T Washington or Webster High.

Central head coach Kip Shaw, who has coached at division one schools like Marshall and Mizzou, knows a thing or two about what a real home-field advantage does for his players and the fans.

"Kind of gives the community something they can rally around," Shaw said. "The kids have something they can be proud of, and it will help school spirit." 

The bleachers are being constructed right outside the fieldhouse where players say they hope by September, they get their own version of Friday night lights.

"When you come and when you see my young men when they're in school or on this football field, you can see the transformation and growth that these kids are having," Shaw said. 

The $3 million project is being paid for through bond money.

Cox said after winning their first playoff game in 23 years, he is ready to do it again on Central's turf.

"I just want to prepare for the next season," Cox said. "Offseason working. Teammates working. Just trying to have a good season." 

The stadium is scheduled to be finished by Central's first home game in the fall.