It was more than just a football game — it was history in motion.
On Friday, October 3, the Saginaw United Phoenix took the field for the first time on their brand-new state-of-the-art football stadium and delivered a performance worthy of the moment, defeating Bay City Central 28–6 in front of a homecoming crowd that packed the stands — and then some.
The night began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Saginaw Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ramont Roberts, marking the official opening of the district’s new athletics complex. Families, alumni, and community members filled every seat and lined the grassy slopes surrounding the field to witness a night years in the making.
“This field represents pride, perseverance, and progress,” said Athletics Director John Mansfield. “Our students and community have waited a long time for this moment. When people walked in and saw it for the first time, you could feel the excitement.”
A Field Worth the Wait
Although Saginaw United High School opened its doors in 2024, construction continued on the athletic facilities. Now complete, the new football field and fieldhouse stand as symbols of renewal and unity for the school district.
The turf glistened under the lights — black end zones bearing “Saginaw” and “United” in bold silver letters, and the black phoenix logo centered at midfield. Fans marveled at the amenities including barstool tables anchored in the concrete, wide-view seating, and one of Michigan’s largest high school video boards — a 42-by-16-foot digital screen ready for highlights and hype moments.
For Saginaw’s student-athletes, it was a dream come true, said senior running back Jovell Robinson, who rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
“It’s like I’ve got to prove something to the world,” Robinson told reporters.
A Homecoming to Remember
Earlier that afternoon, a community parade made its way from North Michigan and West Genesee to the new stadium, where fans were greeted with food, music, and anticipation for kickoff.
Once the whistle blew, United’s determination was clear. Quarterback Jordan Allen threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while Mel Washington, who was crowned Homecoming King, led the defense with ten tackles and two sacks.
Head Coach James King said the victory was about more than football.
“We opened up this new field with all these people here to see this,” King told reporters. “These young men deserve it.”
The Phoenix Rises
For fans, the atmosphere was electric — a packed crowd cheering louder than the speakers. Even those standing beyond the bleachers refused to leave as the final seconds ticked down.
As fireworks exploded in the night sky, one thing was certain: Saginaw United’s story has only just begun.