On a warm and slightly misty fall evening, the spirit settled among legions of energized fans and mingled with members of the boar pen, whose bodies were slathered in blue and gold paint. Inspiring cheers of encouragement, it rested on the bleachers amidst proud parents and siblings: a sight to behold indeed. On September 22, 2007, beneath the portable halogens illuminating the field, Choate Rosemary Hall hosted Kent in the first evening football game in the history of the school. In the end, one thing became apparent—night games boost school spirit on the Choate Rosemary Hall campus. Yes, hosting night games is costly, but the sense of school pride instilled within the Choate community is priceless and will continue to benefit the school in years to come.

Why do night games do so much to boost school spirit? For one thing, they present fewer conflicts with scheduling and therefore draw a much larger audience. Traditionally, Choate football games take place on Saturday afternoons. This poses a problem for the many students who have personal sports commitments. Faculty members are busy coaching and chaperoning away games. Parents frequently have job-related commitments. Where’s the sense in scheduling a school football game when the students, faculty, and parents cannot attend? The solution appears logical. Having the game in the evening assures larger crowds, larger crowds translate into more enthusiasm, and more enthusiasm means more school spirit.

Secondly, consider tailgating. Most people will agree that football and tailgating go hand-in-hand and provide excellent ways for families and friends to socialize, as well as a superb way for alumni to reconnect with the campus and old friends. Everyone will appreciate the ambiance of camaraderie that persuades you to come back for more. All of the above translate into a crowd of happy parents, students, faculty, and alumni at every game. And we all know what role the crowd plays at a football game—to generate plenty of enthusiasm and cheering, otherwise known as school spirit.

Finally, night games on the Choate campus would create an opportunity for the residents of Wallingford to join the Choate community for an evening of exciting sports entertainment. Choate has been an integral part of Wallingford since 1890, so it would follow that it is very much in Choate’s interest to open its doors to the residents of the town at every opportunity. Town residents on campus for a football game would bring a different dimension to the game—like that of the Friday night football games in the Midwest when the entire town gathers at the stadium to support the home team. Such a scenario strengthens the bond between Choate and Wallingford and creates positive press for both in the local newspapers—an added bonus.

The game against Kent last September epitomized the ideal Choate football game: under the lights on a misty but comfortable fall evening; the bleachers packed to overflowing with supportive faculty, parents, and siblings; a major portion of the student body present, some with blue and gold bodies and many sporting pom-poms, horns, bells, drums and other make-shift noisemakers; and last but not least, a victory of 20-17 announced as the bleachers emptied and the spectators poured onto the field to congratulate the players. What a marvelous new tradition for the school to establish now and carry on in years to come. Choate Rosemary Hall needs more night football games!