As Hemlock Public School District continues opening spaces across its renewed athletics complex, one new vantage point has quickly become a Friday-night favorite: the Upper Deck at Legend Gymnasium, a south-end, open-air viewing area overlooking Wallace Field that offers a birds-eye view of the action. The district has begun using the space during home football games and select community events as major bond projects come online. (Hemlock Public School District)
Matt Wesener, President of the Hemlock Board of Education: “Game night in Hemlock is about community—families, alumni, and neighbors coming together to support our students. The Upper Deck is a small but meaningful way to honor contributors and create memorable experiences while we responsibly deliver on the 2022 tax-neutral bond promise.” (Hemlock Public School District)
WHO HAS USED THE UPPER DECK SO FAR
During the 2025 season, the district has hosted special groups in the Upper Deck, including:
Hemlock Hall of Fame honorees and the family and friends of Bob Kilgore (Class of 1972), recognized during Fall 2025 Hall of Fame activities. (Hemlock Public School District)
Hemlock Strong supporters of the district’s 2022 tax-neutral bond initiative, which is funding broad campus upgrades. (Hemlock Public School District)
Wallace & Krueger families and members of the undefeated 1974 Hemlock football team, honored during the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Wallace Field & Krueger Track on October 3, 2025. (Hemlock Public School District)
2026 GAME-NIGHT PLAN FOR THE UPPER DECK
Hemlock expects five home Friday games in Fall 2026. The district plans to use the Upper Deck for two district-hosted events (e.g., Hall of Fame Night and another TBD community recognition). For the remaining home games, the high school principal or athletic director may (1) host school/community events in the space, (2) offer rentals, or (3) release a limited number of premium tickets. Details will be announced in advance each game week via the Athletics website and social channels. General admission remains available through GoFan. (Hemlock Public School District)
HOW TO GET A SEAT ON THE UPPER DECK
District-Hosted Nights (recognitions/ceremonies): Seats are by invitation for honorees and guests. Look for announcements tied to Hall of Fame and other district spotlights. (Hemlock Public School District)
School/Community Events or Rentals: For availability, capacities, and guidelines, contact the District Athletic Director, Angela Pohl (Athletics Staff Directory) or the high school office. (Hemlock Public School District)
Premium Ticket Releases (select games): When offered, limited quantities will be posted during game week on the Athletics site and via GoFan. (Hemlock Public School District)
Note: Capacity is limited; operations, weather, and safety needs may affect availability on any given night.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Upper Deck is one element of Hemlock’s multi-year facilities vision funded by the 2022 tax-neutral bond, which is delivering projects such as the Legend Gymnasium, Wallace Field improvements, Krueger Track naming and upgrades, and complementary enhancements across campus. Recent coverage has also highlighted the district’s progress on the Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse and the KEEL Innovation Center expansion at the Lockwood STEM Center. (Hemlock Public School District)
Long-term vision for event spaces Looking beyond 2026, the district’s plan is to add and refine game-day gathering spaces, including improvements to the pavilion and exploring another hospitality/viewing area at the northeast corner of the field and track—enhancing community experiences while keeping the focus on student athletes. (Hemlock Public School District)
Dr. Don Killingbeck, Superintendent, Hemlock Public School District: “Our facilities work isn’t just new bricks and rails—it’s about building spaces that bring people together around student success. From Wallace Field & Krueger Track to Legend Gymnasium and the Upper Deck, we’re aligning every upgrade to strengthen teaching, learning, wellness, and community pride.” (Hemlock Public School District)
USEFUL LINKS
1974 Team / Ribbon Cutting Invite (Wallace Field & Krueger Track) — event details and recognition context. (Hemlock Public School District)
Krueger Track Naming Announcement — background on the track dedication. (Hemlock Public School District)
“Thank You, Community!” (2022 Tax-Neutral Bond) — overview of bond support and improvements. (Hemlock Public School District)
GoFan Tickets & Passes (Hemlock Athletics) — buy season passes or single-game tickets. (GoFan)
Athletics Staff Directory — contact Angela Pohl, District Athletic Director. (Hemlock Public School District)
Legend Gymnasium construction updates — progress visuals. (Facebook)