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South Effingham Stadium Expansion Ready for Rebels vs. Mustangs
South Effingham football
The always rowdy South Effingham student section will be in full voice Friday when the Mustangs host rival Effingham County in the expanded 7,200-seat stadium for the first time. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

GUYTON, Ga. – In the past, South Effingham athletics officials would scramble to find additional bleacher seating for the Mustangs’ football clash with rival Effingham County. Not this week.

SEHS Athletic Director Justin Merritt is busy, but he already has seating for Friday’s game with the Rebels checked off his to-do list.

Bigger Stadium, Bigger Crowds

County voters approved a $5.9 million expansion for the Corral through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax on Aug. 8, 2024.

Seating for more than 4,000 was added in time for graduation in May, bringing the stadium’s capacity to about 7,200. Now the rivalry football clash, which can draw between 5,000 and 8,000 fans, gets its chance to fill the stadium.

“This is definitely a whole different game,” Merritt said. “For graduation, we had more people in the stands than we’ve had in the past, and it created a much better environment – more comfortable, safer. I think people will be able to enjoy the game more as well.”

South Effingham football
The expanded South Effingham High School stadium, which has been open since August, can now hold about 7,200 fans. Friday’s Mustangs-Rebels rivalry game will be the first time the matchup is played in the upgraded venue, featuring new aluminum bleachers, improved handicapped access, and an expanded press box. (Birk Herrath / Effingham Herald)

A Better Experience for Fans

In the past, squeezing overflow crowds into the 3,200-seat Corral was like jamming a size 10 foot into a size 8 shoe. For the 2023 game against the Rebels, Merritt said he brought in six additional bleachers just for the ECHS band, which has more than 200 members.

Fans who didn’t have seats stood in the walkway along a fence separating the sidelines and the playing field.

“There was a lot of congestion,” Merritt said. “Standing fans blocked people trying to get to the concession stands, food trucks, and bathrooms. It’s different now.”

Fans who haven’t been to SEHS’ expanded stadium will notice some new configurations. The Mustangs’ home side, now with a capacity of about 4,700, has new aluminum bleachers and faces away from the setting sun. The old home side is now the visitors’ side, with a capacity of about 2,500.

New fencing and a ticket booth have been added, and access for handicapped fans has been expanded and improved. An expanded press box sits atop the home stands, while the old press box remains in use by visiting coaches.

Merritt said addressing big crowds from graduation ceremonies and the football games against Effingham County were key reasons for the expansion.

The larger stadium also enhances the atmosphere for soccer, lacrosse, flag football, track and field meets, and band competitions.

“I’ve been part of this for 25 years, and I get enjoyment from seeing the school grow and seeing the facilities grow with it,” Merritt said. “It’s good for the kids and good for our county. … I think if you’re a football fan, you appreciate what’s here. It’s something the whole county can be proud of.”