News Summary
Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools are set to celebrate the grand reopening of their football fields this summer, just in time for the upcoming high school football season. Major renovations at both schools include new bleachers and upgraded facilities to enhance the student-athlete experience. Funded by Measure RR, these upgrades reflect the community’s dedication to improving school sports facilities. As the rivalry continues with the East L.A. Classic, the anticipation grows for an exhilarating season filled with spirited competition and community pride.
Los Angeles – Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools will celebrate the grand reopening of their football fields this summer, just in time for the highly anticipated 2025 high school football season. Both schools closed their grounds last year for renovations and have announced they will officially reopen on August 28, 2025.
Roosevelt High School is set to unveil significant improvements, including new metal bleachers, upgraded field entrances, ticket booths, and restrooms that meet ADA accessibility standards. In addition, the new facilities at Roosevelt will feature a fresh scoreboard, enhanced field lighting, a natural grass surface, and a synthetic running track, along with a newly constructed concession stand.
Meanwhile, Garfield High School will debut a brand new synthetic football field, complete with a surrounding track and a digital scoreboard. Garfield’s amenities will also include updated landscaping, ADA enhancements, and a new booster pump for the irrigation system. Moreover, new bleachers will be added to the visiting team’s side of the field.
The refurbishments of the football fields were primarily funded by Measure RR, a school bond measure that local voters approved in 2020, reflecting the community’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities.
The revival of these football fields comes ahead of the East L.A. Classic, a long-standing crosstown rivalry between Garfield and Roosevelt high schools that dates back to 1925. While the venue for the 2025 Classic has yet to be finalized, it is anticipated that it will not be held at the newly renovated fields due to capacity limitations. Historically, the event has been hosted at East L.A. College, which can accommodate larger crowds.
The upcoming 2025 football season will kick off with Roosevelt’s Rough Riders taking on the Lawndale Cardinals, while Garfield’s Bulldogs will face off against the Bakersfield Drillers on the opening day.
The East L.A. Classic is renowned for attracting large audiences, with over 15,000 fans attending games in recent years. The excitement isn’t limited to just the main event; the Classic also features various activities, including junior varsity and girls’ flag football matches, as well as performances from spirited school teams and local artists. The event fosters community spirit, bringing together past and present students and families to celebrate local pride.
In terms of future developments, Garfield High School is expected to undergo an extensive $160 million renovation with funding from Measure RR. This comprehensive upgrade will encompass a new gymnasium, enhanced classrooms, and a renovated library, further enriching the educational environment for students.
Both schools have a storied history of competition, with Garfield historically dominating the series until Roosevelt broke their winning streak in 2021. The rivalry captured the attention of local fans and continues to evolve, making each East L.A. Classic an event not to be missed.
As the opening day approaches, tickets for this year’s Classic at renowned venues such as SoFi Stadium will be available at various price points, with discounted options specifically for students from Roosevelt High School.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Garfield and Roosevelt’s New Fields Ready for Action
- Google Search: Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools
- Boyle Heights Beat: 2024 East L.A. Classic
- Wikipedia: East L.A. Classic
- LAist: California Charter Schools Continue to Grow
- Google News: California Charter Schools
- Boyle Heights Beat: Garfield Takes Down Roosevelt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Spectrum News: NFL Family Festival at Bishop Mora Salesian High School
- Google Scholar: High School Sports in California
