Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
This Week:
We had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of the most historic high school football programs, not just in Ohio, but in all of America!
Located in Canton, Ohio, McKinley High School is home to the legendary Bulldogs, a program known for its rich football tradition and some of the most impressive athletic facilities in the country.
When people think of high school football powerhouses, Texas and Florida usually come to mind. But after touring McKinley's 16 practice fields, Division I-level weight room, and the iconic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, it's clear Ohio deserves a spot in that conversation.
And at the end of our exclusive tour, I'll give McKinley its official Field Level Rating to see how its facilities stack up against some of the top high school football programs in America.
— Chris Colebank
Hall of Fame Practice Fields
One thing that blew me away during my visit to McKinley was the sheer number of practice fields surrounding the campus. Seriously, I thought I was looking at a college athletic complex!
When I toured the program, the fields were packed with teams competing in a flag football tournament. But throughout the year, these same fields are used for Bulldogs football practices and other sporting events.
Apparently, one football field just wasn't enough for McKinley!
TURK ALBERTA LOCKER ROOM
The Frank “Turk” Locker Room is so much more than just a football facility and operations building. Honestly, it feels more like a museum dedicated to the history of Ohio football.
And I’m not exaggerating!
Everywhere you turn, there’s another piece of history, from trophy cases packed with championships to helmets worn by past generations of Bulldogs and displays honoring McKinley alumni who went on to play in the NFL.
But for me personally, the next part of the tour might have been my favorite…
Bulldogs Weight Room
The addition features a 4,000-square-foot weight room packed with customized equipment designed primarily for McKinley’s powerhouse football program.
The facility also includes customized locker rooms, athletic training rooms, and meeting spaces used by sports teams throughout the school.
Locker Room
Equipment Room
Bulldog Activity Center
Located on the Timken Career Campus in downtown Canton, this massive facility features a 50-yard indoor turf field, a six-lane 200-meter track, and three full-sized basketball courts that can also be converted for volleyball.
Add in locker rooms, spectator seating, and dedicated spaces for track and field events, and you've got a facility that rivals what you'd find at some college athletic programs.
six-lane 200-meter track
50-yard indoor turf field
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium offers premium club seating with incredible views, cushioned seats, and a luxury lounge that can accommodate up to 400 guests.
And if that’s not fancy enough for your Friday night football experience, there’s also an exclusive VIP lounge for 50 guests and private luxury suites featuring flat-screen TVs, upscale catering, and room for 18–20 people each.
Final Rankings: Field Level Rating
After spending three days exploring McKinley’s facilities, learning about its legendary history, and experiencing Friday night football in Canton, it’s time to give the Bulldogs their official Field Level Rating!
Each program is graded across five categories, with 5 points possible in each for a total score out of 25.
Category | Score |
|---|---|
🏟️ Stadium & Game-Day Experience | 5/5 |
🏋️ Training Facilities & Equipment | 4/5 |
🏈 Practice Fields & Athletic Resources | 5/5 |
🏆 Football History & Tradition | 5/5 |
⭐ Overall Experience | 5/5 |
TOTAL FIELD LEVEL RATING | 24/25 |
My Final Take: 24/25
McKinley has just about everything you could ask for in a high school football program. From its incredible football history and college-level athletic facilities to playing in a 23,000-seat stadium, there aren't many high schools in America that can compete with this experience.
And after seeing it all firsthand, I can confidently say that Canton, Ohio, has earned its reputation as one of the football capitals of America!
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