(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Aug. 28, 2026) — Today across Texas, Friday Night Lights will illuminate fields and dreams as a brand-new season of football kicks off. The district is proud the long-standing tradition across the Lone Star State started at El Paso ISD.
This year, El Paso ISD is adding a new tradition to Friday Night Lights by bringing families and community members together for two special tailgate events before rivalry games on Friday, August 28.
Tailgate at the Battle of the Claw will take place before the Austin High School and El Paso High School matchup, while Tailgate at the Southside Bowl will take place before the Jefferson High School and Bowie High School game.
Tailgate at the Battle of the Claw
What: Austin High School vs. El Paso High School
Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Location: El Paso High School
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Food Partner: Portillo’s
Tailgate at the Southside Bowl
What: Jefferson High School vs. Bowie High School
Date: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
Location: Jefferson High School
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Food Partner: Peter Piper Pizza
The events will give families and community members an opportunity to gather before kickoff, meet El Paso ISD leadership, enjoy food from community partners including Portillo’s and Peter Piper Pizza, and experience performances from student groups and other activities. Food will be available on a first-come, first served basis.
Continuing its spirit of innovation and pioneering new opportunities for students, El Paso ISD is making it free for students to attend any athletic game in the district. Beginning this school year, El Paso ISD middle and high school students can attend district athletic events free of charge with a current EPISD-issued student ID, while elementary students may attend free without an ID and by wearing a campus or district t-shirt or apparel. Learn more about free admission for EPISD students.
“These events are about bringing our community together to celebrate our students, our schools, and the traditions that make Friday Night Lights so special in El Paso,” said Chief Communications Officer Liza Rodriguez. “We want families to have an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the games while also connecting with the people who serve our students every day.”
As the roar of crowds echo across stadiums in Texas, the legacy of El Paso ISD continues to spotlight student-athletes for another season of competition, school pride, and personal growth.
El Paso High School senior Anthony Carrillo said this season carries extra meaning. As he begins his final year of high school football, he knows the time on the field is limited.
“I’m really excited for this football season, especially because it’s my senior year. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone by, and I want to make the most of every opportunity and give everything I have this season,” Carrillo said.
Whether they are on the field, in the stands, performing with the band, cheering from the sidelines, or gathering with friends and family before the game, students and community members continue to make Friday Night Lights an important part of the El Paso ISD experience.