Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX – October 23, 2025 – Navarro ISD is calling all former athletes, trainers, cheerleaders, dance team, color guard and band members who competed at Erwin-Lee Stadium to join the district for a milestone occasion - the final full-season celebration of "Friday Night Lights" before the transition to the new Navarro High School and future Athletics Complex.

The community is invited to celebrate the rich history and legacy of Panther athletics and fine arts at the final regular-season home varsity football game on Friday, October 31, 2025, as the Panthers take on Lago Vista.

The Erwin-Lee Stadium Honor Walk is a special pre-game ceremony where Navarro ISD Friday Night Lights alumni who competed on the Erwin-Lee field—will be invited to step onto the turf for a nostalgic group walk. This event is a celebration of community pride, and a commemoration of the countless memories made at the stadium named for Ruel Erwin and Norman Lee, that has been our home for over 50 years. Their dedication to help start a fledgling Football Program at Navarro ISD and their sacrifice is remembered with each activity that is showcased on the field.

“Erwin-Lee Stadium has been the heart of our community for decades, witnessing generations of Panthers embracing their passions with teammates, developing their skills and character, and achieving their goals,” said Dr. Mandy Epley, Superintendent of Navarro ISD. “As we prepare to transition to our new facilities, we are not saying goodbye to this stadium; we are saluting its incredible history. While our high school community prepares for their new home, we are incredibly blessed that Erwin-Lee Stadium will continue to build champions as an incredible home for our Navarro Junior High programs and a district tournament facility.”

Dr. Epley further added that construction of the new athletic complex facilities will be completed in stages with the stadium expected to reach substantial completion late August to early September 2026. Most of our spring 2026 sports will be held in our current facilities as well as the 2026 graduation ceremony. We anticipate being able to host baseball and softball games in our new complex toward the end of the season in April. While our contractors are working quickly and making great progress, we are prepared to host some early 2026 football games at Erwin-Lee Stadium if necessary. 

Event Details

Erwin-Lee Stadium Honor Walk - Class of 1972-Present

Fri., October 31, 2025, during pre-game ceremonies at 7:10pm

Navarro Panthers vs. Lago Vista – Tickets available for purchase at the gate or online through Brushfire

Alumni and Senior Information

Alumni from the Class of 1972 to present who participated in any sport or activity in Erwin-Lee Stadium are invited to attend and participate in the pre-game Honor Walk. To ensure proper planning and to receive additional communication about the event, alumni are asked to sign up using the form provided by clicking here. 

Additionally, current senior football players and their families will also have a pre-game celebration and recognition. Then post-game, all current seniors involved in Friday Night Lights activities, along with their families, will have an opportunity for their field walk tradition.

Contact: Chelsea Ormond, Director of Communications, at communication@nisd.us or 830.372.1930