Millcreek Township School District and McDowell Athletics are thrilled to invite the community to McDowell High School on Friday, Sept. 4, for our varsity football home opener against Chardon. Beyond the action on the gridiron, this landmark evening marks the official McDowell Athletic Complex (MAC) Community Fundraising Kickoff—an unprecedented project that will transform athletic, academic, and community spaces for generations of Trojan student-athletes and Millcreek residents.
Event Highlights & Ways to Support
- James Conner Field Naming & Guest Appearance: McDowell alumnus and NFL star James Conner returns home for a special pregame ceremony as the main turf surface for the new MAC Complex being built will be named James Conner Field in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and commitment to Millcreek.
- Exclusive James Conner Field T-Shirts (Presented by Country Fair): Commemorative event T-shirts presented by Country Fair will be available for purchase at the stadium for $15. All proceeds directly support James Conner Field and the MAC Fundraising Campaign. These shirts are also available at all Erie County Country Fair store locations as supplies last.
- Country Fair Tailgate: Country Fair will also be hosting a tailgate party starting at 5:30 p.m. at its West 38th and Caughey store leading to Friday night’s game. The tailgate will include food, drinks, live music from the Highlife Band, and additional promotional items.
- Country Fair Club CITGO Loyalty Reward Program Partnership: Support the MAC every time you fill up! Sign up for the Country Fair Club CITGO Loyalty Reward Program and use your Loyalty ID at any Country Fair pump in Erie County between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. Country Fair will donate 2 cents per gallon directly to the MAC project.
- Gus Anderson Legacy Plaza Paver Campaign: Leave your mark on Trojan history. Visit the MAC informational booth during the game to view architectural renderings of the new Gus Anderson Legacy Plaza—the premier entrance to the complex—and learn how to personalize an engraved paver brick for your family, business, or graduating class.
Building for the Future of Millcreek
The modernizations planned for the McDowell Athletic Complex represent a transformative investment in our youth, school district, and region. From upgraded training facilities and multi-sport surfaces to community-accessible gathering areas, this project benefits every student, athlete, and community organization that calls Millcreek home.
Join us under the Friday night lights on Sept. 4 to celebrate our history, cheer on the Trojans, and help build the future of Millcreek athletics!
Purchase your Tickets
Tickets for Friday’s game and all other McDowell home events this season are available for purchase through HomeTown Ticketing. Season passes for the entire school year are available as well as individual game tickets. All tickets can be purchased and managed with the HomeTown Fan app.
Click here for additional ticket information for the 2026-27 school year.
About Country Fair
Country Fair, Inc. is a chain of 73 convenience stores that are integral parts of the communities that they service throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, Western New York and Eastern Ohio. Country Fair employs over 1,300 associates and was ranked 16th largest employer in Erie, PA in 2025. Country Fair’s award-winning corporate culture was recognized in 2026 with seven Culture Excellence Awards from Top Workplaces.