Links to event photos:
Photos By: MPUSD Communications
Photos By: MHS Student Amber Kane
Photos By: MHS Student Kiana Tobias
Photos By: MHS Student Sophia Taitingfong
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and Monterey High School will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. to celebrate the first home game under the “Friday Night Lights” at Monterey High School, located at 101 Herrmann Drive, Monterey, CA 93940.
The ribbon cutting will take place prior to the first varsity football game under the lights in school history. Board of Education members, Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh, Principal Tom Newton, Monterey High School scholar-athletes, staff, and community members will be present for the ceremony.
“We are grateful to voters for making this vision a reality,” said PK Diffenbaugh, Superintendent, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. “After years of planning, legal challenges, and persistence, Monterey High School finally has stadium lights and facility improvements worthy of our scholar-athletes and community. This project represents more than an investment in infrastructure, it’s a commitment to student opportunity, school pride, and community connection. Tonight, the Toreadors shine under Friday night lights for the very first time.”
“This is a historic night for Monterey High,” said Tom Newton, Principal, Monterey High School. “For multiple years, our students, staff, and community have waited patiently for this moment. These lights are more than just fixtures on a field, they symbolize perseverance, pride, and the power of community support. As our Green Machine takes the field tonight, we celebrate not just a game, but a milestone in our school’s history. Go Dores!”
Funded through Measure I, a $213 million facilities bond approved by voters in 2018, the project includes:
- Grading and infrastructure work on the multi-use field and stadium
- Installation of electrical and water lines
- New stadium lights
- Press box and visitor bleachers
- Parking improvements to the student parking lot
- ADA and safety upgrades
- Improvements to the lower field
The unveiling of the stadium lights marks a new era for Monterey High School, providing expanded opportunities for students, families, and the greater community to come together and celebrate under Friday night lights.
