T-Mobile announced on October 8, 2026, the top 40 division finalists for its Friday Night 5G Lights competition. These small-town schools across the country are now entering a new phase to compete for a $1 million home field upgrade.
The 40 finalists are divided into four regions: West, Midwest, South, and East, with 10 schools in each division. Carbon High School in Price, Utah, is among the finalists in the West division. Each finalist will receive $25,000 and a T-Mobile-hosted Home Game Celebration. One division champion from each of the four regions will earn $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym valued at $90,000, and a $5,000 student leadership award.
Fans can vote once per day for their favorite division finalist from October 8 through October 25 at FridayNight5GLights.com or via the T-Life app. The four division champions will be announced on October 29 and will move into a final voting round held from October 29 through November 8. The grand prize winner, who will receive the $1 million upgrade and a tailgate celebration, will be announced on November 12.
T-Mobile Chief Operating Officer Jon Freier stated that the company received nearly 2,500 applications from schools looking to address needs such as outdated lights, worn turf, or aging bleachers. The competition aims to celebrate community pride and support small-town connections. Additionally, T-Mobile plans to award $5,000 in Spirit Spotlight Awards to six non-finalist schools on October 29.
The competition features ambassador Rob Gronkowski, who encouraged communities to rally and vote to help their schools advance in the contest.
