Walk onto the campus of Grand Blanc High School on a Friday night and you’ll feel it immediately. There is a specific kind of electricity that only exists when a community decides to go all-in on its kids. For years, the talk around town was about the "new" stadium. People wondered if the price tag was too high or if the old Frank Thomas Field was "good enough."
But standing in the shadow of the massive home grandstands at the new Don Batchelor Stadium, it’s pretty clear this isn't just about bleachers and grass. It's a statement.
Grand Blanc football stadium has officially moved from the "local high school field" category into something that looks and feels like a mid-major college venue. If you haven't been there since the 2023 ribbon-cutting, you're basically looking at a different world. The district didn't just slap on some fresh paint; they reimagined what an athletic complex in Genesee County could actually be.
The Don Batchelor Era: More Than Just a Name
Names matter in a place like Grand Blanc. For decades, Frank Thomas Field was the heart of the program. But as the district grew, the 2,000-ish capacity just wasn't cutting it anymore. The shift to the new Don Batchelor Stadium—named after the legendary coach and former NFL player—brought the seating capacity up to a staggering 6,000.
Think about that. 6,000 people.
That’s more than some FCS college programs draw on a good weekend. The stadium was the crown jewel of a massive $87 million bond project that survived the chaos of 2020, inflation, and supply chain nightmares. Honestly, it’s a miracle they got it finished on schedule for the Class of 2023 graduation.
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The layout is intentionally intimate despite the size. You’ve got the home side backed up against Brendle Elementary, with a massive concrete plaza that gives fans a place to actually move around. No more tripping over feet just to get a hot dog.
What Actually Changed?
If you're looking for the technical breakdown, here’s the reality of the upgrade:
- The Surface: They swapped the old-school natural grass for high-performance artificial turf. This isn't just for football, though. Soccer and lacrosse have moved into the rotation here, meaning the field is actually getting used 200 days a year instead of just five or six Friday nights.
- The Athletics Center: Built right into the south end, this 41,000-square-foot facility is wild. It houses a 25-meter stretch pool, massive team rooms, and—this is the cool part—a viewing platform where you can watch the game while literally standing on the roof of the natatorium.
- The Spirit Rock: You can't talk about Grand Blanc football without mentioning Charlie Carmody. "The Voice of the Bobcats" passed away in 2017, but his presence is still there. The new Spirit Rock, topped with a custom Bobcat statue made from scrap metal found during the stadium's excavation, greets every fan who enters. It’s a nice touch of soul in a very modern facility.
Why the $40 Million Price Tag Sparked Debate
Look, $38.9 million for an athletic complex (the stadium and aquatic center portion) is a lot of money. You'll still hear people in the grocery store line at Kroger talking about whether the money should have gone elsewhere. But the district’s "Next Level" strategy wasn't just about sports.
Superintendent Dr. Trevor Alward and the board argued that high-quality facilities drive enrollment and community pride. In a world where families can choose where to live based on school amenities, having the best stadium in the Saginaw Valley League is a massive recruiting tool for the township itself.
The "zero-increase" bond was the key. By maintaining the existing tax rate rather than asking for a hike, the district managed to fund these "big" projects without hitting residents' wallets harder than they were already used to. It was a savvy move that seems to be paying off as the stadium stays packed.
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The Game Day Experience: What to Expect
If you’re heading to a game this fall, the vibe has shifted. The old Frank Thomas Field (which is still there and used for practice and some soccer matches) had a cozy, neighborhood feel. The new stadium feels like an event.
Parking can still be a bit of a puzzle because, well, it's Grand Blanc. But the new visitor's plaza on the Perry Innovation Center end has helped alleviate the bottleneck.
The concrete work by Albanelli Cement is actually award-winning—it won a "Flatwork Special Innovative" award. That sounds boring until you’re walking on it and realize you aren't tripping over cracked asphalt. The two-tiered walkway terrace allows you to pace around and watch the action from different angles, which is great if you've got kids who can't sit still for four quarters.
Recent Success on the Turf
The Bobcats haven't just had a nice place to play; they’ve been winning. In the 2025 season, the team went on a tear, putting up 50+ points in multiple games against rivals like Lapeer and Davison. There’s something about playing under those high-end LED lights that seems to bring out the best in the roster. The stadium isn't just a trophy; it's a fortress.
What Most People Miss About the Complex
One detail that usually gets lost in the football hype is the integration of the aquatic center. Most high schools have a pool tucked away in a dark corner of the gym. Here, the pool and the football stadium are physically linked.
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On a busy Thursday, you might have a freshman football game happening on the turf while a swim meet is going on inside the same building. It's an efficient use of space that most districts haven't figured out yet.
The stadium also serves as a hub for "found history." That Bobcat statue I mentioned earlier? Sculptor Joe Butts used artifacts pulled directly from the ground during the 2021-2023 construction. It’s a literal piece of the earth the stadium sits on.
The Road Ahead for Grand Blanc Athletics
The stadium was Phase 1 and 2. Now, the district is looking toward the future. The "Next Level" plan involves a potential Performing Arts Center and further renovations to the Perry Center.
The goal is to make the entire campus a destination.
Is it "over the top" for high school sports? Some might say yes. But if you're a student-athlete walking out of that tunnel onto the turf with 6,000 people screaming, you probably don't care about the budget debates. You care about the fact that your community built you a stage that rivals some colleges.
Quick Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: The 6,000 seats fill up faster than you’d think, especially for the Davison game.
- Check the Plaza: The home-side plaza behind Brendle is where the best food and atmosphere are.
- Respect the Rock: Take a second to look at the Charlie Carmody Spirit Rock at the entrance. It's the heart of the "Bobcat Way."
If you’re planning to attend an event, keep an eye on the official GBHS Athletic Calendar for schedule shifts. The stadium is now a multi-sport hub, so there’s almost always something happening on the turf.
To get the most out of your visit, check the Grand Blanc Community Schools website for updated ticket pricing and bag policies, as security measures have tightened since the new facility opened to accommodate the larger crowds.