MENASHA (NBC 26) — Updated: Menasha High School football will play all five of its home games this season at Lawrence University's Banta Bowl after the July 27 tornado damaged Calder Stadium.
Lawrence University announced it is donating the use of the Banta Bowl for the Bluejays' five home games while repairs continue at Calder Stadium, which sustained significant damage in the storm.
Head football coach Jeramie Korth said finding one consistent home venue was a priority as the district worked to provide stability for student-athletes and their families.
"The fact that we were able to get a college stadium where we're not sharing it with another high school team is huge," Korth said. "We don't have to travel around and play in all these different places that other high school teams are going to be playing in."
Korth said Lawrence University was the district's first choice.
"The Banta Bowl has always been a great place to play, and with the updates recently made to the Banta Bowl, our community is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to play there," he said.
Lawrence University Assistant Vice President for Athletics James Downer said the university opened the Banta Bowl because it believes it's important to support neighboring communities during unexpected challenges.
"We hope our campus provides a welcoming home for the Bluejays, and we're proud to play a small role in supporting their students, families, and community during this difficult time," Downer said.
Korth said the support the Menasha community has received since the tornado has been overwhelming.
"We are overwhelmed by what has happened, but we are equally overwhelmed by the support that we have," he said.
Menasha opens its home schedule on Aug. 21 against Plymouth at the Banta Bowl.
