T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights is back for the 2026 season, giving high schools across the country another chance to share their stories, rally their communities and compete for millions of dollars in prizes.
Last season, more than 2,000 schools from towns of 150,000 people or fewer entered the nationwide competition. A total of 450 schools received $5,000 through $5K Fridays and 25 finalists each won $25,000.
Dierks High School in Arkansas ultimately took home a grand prize worth more than $1 million after securing nearly 2 million votes. Located in a town of fewer than 900 people, the school rallied students, families, businesses and supporters across the state to help bring home the win.
This year, T-Mobile is going even bigger, with more than 1,000 schools set to win!
Millions of dollars in prizes are up for grabs during the 2026 season, including:
Schools are encouraged to apply as early as possible to take advantage of additional $5K Fridays Sweepstakes drawings and give their communities more time to rally behind their school.
Applications are open through Sept. 18 for individual high schools located in towns with populations of 150,000 or fewer.
An authorized school representative must submit the application on the school's behalf. Eligible representatives include football coaches, athletic directors, principals, superintendents and other authorized school officials.
Parents and booster clubs cannot apply directly, and only one application may be submitted per school.
Schools will need to provide basic information, including the school's name and address, tax ID and primary contact information. The application also asks for photos of the football field, stadium, school logo, school spirit and areas in need of an upgrade.
Applicants must also submit a written response of up to 700 words explaining why the school needs an upgrade and how it would benefit students and the community. T-Mobile's How To Win guide includes tips for telling your school's story, showing school spirit and getting the community involved.
Returning schools that applied in 2024 or 2025 may be able to reuse and update their previous applications. Schools can save their progress and return before submitting, but applications cannot be edited once they have been submitted.
Check out the Friday Night 5G Lights playbook for application details, eligibility requirements, key dates and ideas to help your school stand out.
Once a school's application has been validated, it will automatically be entered into the $5K Fridays Sweepstakes.
Students, teachers, parents, alumni and other community supporters can help their school earn additional entries by posting photos or videos on Instagram or X.
Each qualifying post should:
Each correctly tagged post counts as one entry, and entries roll over from week to week.
Social media participation is not required to enter the contest or compete for the grand prize. However, every eligible Instagram or X post counts as an additional entry into the $5K Fridays Sweepstakes.
New this year, fans can also participate in the Get In The Game With Gronk AR experience by taking an augmented reality selfie with Gronk and sharing it on Instagram or X. Each eligible post counts as another sweepstakes entry.
Looking for another way to get in on the fun? Use the tool below to upload a photo of your favorite local athlete or coach and watch them transform into a one-of-a-kind avatar — from game day hero to futuristic MVP and more.
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