Months after an EF-3 tornado ripped through Monroe County destroying athletic facilities at Amory High School, a neighboring rival has stepped in to offer their stadium to the Panther football program.
Gregg Ellis, communications director for the Tupelo Public School District, confirmed to SuperTalk Mississippi News on Friday that Amory will play all 2023 home games at Tupelo High School.
“While we all compete against each other, in times of tragedy, we come together. As a district, this was an easy decision to make,” Ellis said. “High school football is so huge in Mississippi, and Friday nights are special. Amory has such a rich tradition of excellence, and we are excited to do whatever we can in Tupelo to make them feel at home in our facilities. We welcome them to the blue turf with open arms and wish them all the best in 2023.”
The deadly tornado that hit Amory on March 24 wiped out the school’s football, baseball, and softball facilities, but that didn’t stop the baseball program from going out and winning a state title even though they had to play all remaining games on the road.
As of now, construction has not begun on new athletic facilities at Amory High School. The football team, which finished with a 12-2 record last season and was one win short of the title game, is seeking its first state championship since 1998.
Tupelo and Amory sit approximately 23 miles apart.
Editor’s note: The original version of this article said that Amory games at Tupelo High School will be free of charge. That is not correct. Regular admission will be charged by Amory. Tupelo is not charging Amory for the use of facilities.
