Why it matters: The milestone fulfills a vision dating back to the school’s founding in the late 1990s, making REV the final comprehensive high school in Redlands Unified School District to have its own track and field stadium. District leaders say the project symbolizes equity, opportunity and a renewed sense of school pride.
Details: The celebration began with a pregame ceremony featuring alumni from REV’s football, band and cheer programs marching onto the field. Varsity football captains presented commemorative footballs to Superintendent Juan Cabral, Board of Education President Michelle Rendler and Principal Shana Kamper.
(From L – R) Superintendent Juan Cabral, Coach Kristian King, Board of Education President Michelle Rendler and REVHS Principal Shana Kamper hold commemorative footballs signed by the varsity football team during a special pregame ceremony. (Photo: Courtesy RUSD)
“The grand opening is more than the completion of a construction project,” Cabral said. “It represents equity and opportunity for all our students. With this milestone, every one of our comprehensive high schools now has a stadium to call their own. Most importantly, it reflects our commitment to empower every student with the resources, experiences and school spirit that help them thrive.”
Among the alumni honored was new varsity head coach Kristian King, a 2011 REV graduate and former Wildcat player, making his debut on the sidelines.
Bringing the community together: The season opener drew a packed crowd of alumni, families and students, creating an electric home-field atmosphere.
“Having the stadium with the student section feels amazing and the energy from the crowd is a game-changer,” said running back Nathaniel Williams III. He added that his favorite feature of the new stadium is the touchdown light show.
Students cheer from the student section of the Wildcat Stadium’s new home bleachers. (Photo: Courtesy RUSD)
Construction on the facility began in 2022 and was funded in part by Measure D, a bond approved by Redlands voters. Although the team had played on the new field before, Friday marked the first time the complete venue was open to the entire school community.
The celebration marks the completion of Phase II of a three-phase stadium development plan. The new facility includes home bleachers, a student section and a press box.
For students like senior spirit leader Layla Robinson, the moment was especially meaningful.
“Playing games at other schools felt disheartening because even when they were so-called home games, we knew the space wasn’t really ours,” she said. “Having a home really is an overall boost to cheer, the teams and all the students in the stands. It brings more confidence and enthusiasm – it really hypes us all up.”
The home-field advantage rang true as the scoreboard reflected a dominating victory for the Wildcats, marking a historic milestone for the REV community.
Running back Nathaniel Williams III beams as he looks at the scoreboard showing the Wildcats win 63 – 7. (Photo: Courtesy RUSD)
