You’re now standing in front of Spiegelberg Stadium, lovingly known by locals as “Spieg.” Imagine yourself here on a crisp autumn Friday night: stadium lights blazing, marching bands warming up, the buzz of nearly 10,000 fans packed into the grandstands. Take a deep breath-you can almost smell the popcorn and field turf!
This place has been the heart and soul of Medford’s football spirit since it opened, though back in the day, it was simply called Medford Stadium. In 1983, it got a brand-new name, but the electric energy remained just the same. North Medford High and South Medford High both call this massive venue home-nobody gets an advantage, except maybe the team that brings more cowbells.
And don’t forget the little giants of local football: St. Mary’s High School lines up here too, sneaking in games on Saturdays to make room for the big Friday night clashes. For track enthusiasts, you’ll spot the striking blue Newland Track circling the field-yes, blue! In 2004, the stadium upgraded to FieldTurf, and then in 2016, did it all over again-so you’re gazing at Cobb Field, named for its traditional alignment and fresh surface, perched at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. Good thing footballs don’t get altitude sickness.
But if there’s a crown jewel event here, it has to be the Black and Blue Bowl: the epic, annual face-off between North and South Medford High. No one’s got a home field edge, so the crowd’s divided right down the middle. Over the decades, the wins have traded hands faster than hot potato-North Medford’s up by a hair, but South Medford’s never far behind. Can you hear the roar as the whistle blows and rivals collide? Some years, one side runs away with it-and sometimes, heartbreak happens right at the wire. And it gets even wilder when both teams make it to the state championship, like a local soap opera, but with more mud and fewer commercial breaks.
Let’s not forget the next generation. Middle schoolers take over for the Black and Maroon Bowl, pitting Hedrick against McLoughlin. For many kids in Medford, this moment under the lights is the stuff of schoolyard legend. No matter the year or team, everyone who steps onto this field is cheered like a world champion.
So next time you walk by on a game night, lean in and listen. The echoes of extraordinary games, wild rivalries, and childhood dreams still bounce around these grandstands. And remember-if someone tries to sell you a hotdog for $20, just tell them you’re here for the history, but you’re on a “stadium food” diet!
