Recognizing the Jacksonville Independent School District for preserving the historic and architectural significance of the Tomato Bowl.

89(R) SR 557 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 557

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pride

in recognizing outstanding landmarks that reflect the rich

history, culture, and community spirit of our great state; and

WHEREAS, The Tomato Bowl in Jacksonville recently emerged

as the top high school stadium in Texas in a statewide contest

conducted by
Dave Campbell's Texas Football
magazine that

received more than 130,000 votes; and

WHEREAS, The Tomato Bowl holds a unique place in Texas

history; it was designed in the 1930s and constructed in the

early 1940s through the support of the Federal Works Progress

Administration and the vision of the Jacksonville Independent

School District; and

WHEREAS, Shaped by the determined labor of local workmen,

many of whom moved tons of soil by hand before the stadium's

completion, the Tomato Bowl was built on the site of the city's

former East Side School; it features rock walls and a fieldhouse

built from stones and red iron ore gathered from area farms, and

the hillside was reshaped for stadium seating overlooking the

field and town; and

WHEREAS, The Tomato Bowl, although unfinished at the time,

proudly hosted its first game on September 27, 1940, when

Jacksonville High School's football team took the field against

Dallas Technical High School before a crowd of nearly 1,900; the

stadium underwent a major renovation in 2019 that preserved its

historic integrity while ensuring its continued service to

future generations of students, athletes, and fans; and

WHEREAS, One of the few remaining downtown stadiums in

Texas, the Tomato Bowl continues to be a symbol of community

pride; bolstered by 85 years of tradition and school spirit,

student athletes proudly compete on the field amidst the sounds

of passing train horns and cheers from celebrating families and

loyal fans; and

WHEREAS, The statewide recognition from
Dave Campbell's

Texas Football
is a testament to the cherished history of this

area and to the unwavering support of the Jackonville community

who honor the legacy and spirit of this beloved venue; now,

therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th

Legislature, hereby commend the Jacksonville Independent

School District on preserving the historic and architectural

significance of the Tomato Bowl and extend to all in the

Jacksonville community congratulations on the stadium's recent

statewide distinction and best wishes for the future; and, be

it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the

school district as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Nichols

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 26, 2025.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate