Boyle Stadium at Stamford High School will be the venue for this year’s Turkey Bowl game between Darien and New Canaan football teams and next year’s as well, Darien Schools Superintendent Dan Brenner announced late Tuesday afternoon.
The stadium, with a capacity for more than 10,000 spectators, can handle the crowds of football fans from both towns, making it a good fit to host the rivalry, Brenner said.
Here’s the announcement:
The Darien Public Schools and the New Canaan Public Schools are pleased to announce that we have secured the use of Boyle Stadium in Stamford to host the 2017 and 2018 Turkey Bowls on Thanksgiving morning each year.
With a capacity of over 10,000 spectators, Boyle Stadium is the ideal venue for this traditional rivalry game between the schools, and we are thrilled that our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete in this exciting environment.
After the 2014 Turkey Bowl (Darien Athletic Foundation photo)
Neither school district’s stadium has such a large capacity, which has resulted in many community members from both towns being turned away from attending the event in the past.
After much conversation and collaboration between the schools, the decision was made to provide virtually unlimited seating for this exciting rivalry, which allows for alumni, extended families, community members, and football fans region-wide to attend the game.
When the Turkey Bowl was held at Boyle Stadium in the past, the crowd was estimated to be at or close to 10,000 fans. On behalf of all of our fans, both the New Canaan Public Schools and the Darien Public Schools are thrilled to be able to secure this outstanding venue for the next two Turkey Bowl games.
To preempt the need to wait on lines the day of the game, spectators will be able to purchase tickets in advance at each of the schools. Details will follow from the individual schools regarding the specifics of the presold tickets. Thanks to Boyle Stadium’s capacity, tickets will also be available at the gate on game day.
We hope you are able to join us and participate in this annual tradition between our schools!