The Byrnes High Rebels will move into their new, 8,000-seat Nixon Field this season and according to reports on X from Upstate media, things are moving right along.
This development, long overdue for a school with a storied football tradition, is set to transform the campus and enhance the experience for student-athletes, fans, and the broader community. The project, spearheaded by Spartanburg School District 5, addresses the outdated infrastructure of the current stadium, which was originally built in 1955 and last updated in 1980. With renderings unveiled in March 2024, the new facility promises to be a game-changer for the Rebels and the Duncan community.
CHECK OUT: 2025 Byrnes Rebels Football Schedule
The previous Nixon Field opened in 1955 and has not been upgraded significantly since 1980. During that time, Byrnes won multiple state championships on the football field and established itself as one of the top programs in the entire country. Fellow Spartanburg County powers Dorman (which built an entirely new campus) and Spartanburg (recently opened a new campus and for the first time has home games on its campus after playing at Wofford College for decades) beat Byrnes to the punch.
Starting this season, that will change.
The new stadium, designed by Greenville-based McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, will feature a host of modern amenities aimed at improving both functionality and fan experience. Renderings presented at a District 5 School Board meeting in March 2024 showcase a facility with a seating capacity of approximately 8,000, a significant increase from the current setup. This expanded capacity will allow the school to accommodate larger crowds, particularly during high-stakes games in the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Class AAAAA Division I playoffs, where the Rebels have been a consistent contender. The design also includes a larger parking lot capable of holding at least 100 more vehicles than the current lot, addressing long-standing parking issues during game days.
Key features of the new stadium include a turf football field, a track and field storage shed, upgraded concession and ticket stands, and a spectator entrance plaza designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. New locker room facilities and a security room will enhance the experience for athletes and ensure safety for all attendees. A unique aspect of the design is the inclusion of balconies on the exterior of the adjacent school building, providing exclusive viewing areas for VIPs during major events. These balconies, a novel feature for a high school stadium, underscore the district’s commitment to making the facility a regional standout.
The project is part of a broader initiative to modernize the James F. Byrnes High School campus, which serves over 2,300 students in grades 9-12. Phase 2 of the campus renovation, which began in September 2022 and was completed in July 2024, included a 127,401-square-foot addition with 42 classrooms, science labs, a media center, and collaborative workspaces. The stadium project builds on this momentum, with construction approval slated for a vote by the Spartanburg District 5 School Board in May 2024. If approved, the new facility is expected to open for the 2025-26 season, aligning with the school’s goal of fostering a sense of pride and community engagement.
For the Duncan community, the new stadium represents more than just an upgrade—it’s a symbol of progress and a testament to the enduring legacy of Byrnes football. The Rebel Touchdown Club, which supports the football program through fundraising and volunteer efforts, is likely to play a key role in rallying community support. As construction moves forward, anticipation is building for a facility that will not only elevate the game-day experience but also cement James F. Byrnes High School’s place as a cornerstone of Spartanburg County’s athletic and cultural landscape.
You can catch live streams of all Byrnes High Football games this coming season on the Chief Sports App.
