For the first time in its 64-year history, Larkin High School will enjoy having a homefield advantage as it hosts varsity football and soccer games on Friday, Oct. 2, at the school’s first on-site stadium, the Royals Athletic Complex. Fittingly enough, the games will take place during the school’s Homecoming Week.
Larkin’s varsity boys soccer team will kick off this historic event playing Geneva High School at 4:30 p.m. followed by a varsity football game between the Larkin Royals and the Sabres of Streamwood High School at 7:15 p.m. Before the football game, members of Larkin’s past football teams will be honored on the field.
“This complex represents an investment in our students, our school community, and the future of U-46. It will provide student-athletes with new opportunities to compete, grow as leaders, build lasting relationships, and experience the pride that comes from representing Larkin High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson. “We are grateful to the U-46 Board of Education and everyone whose vision, partnership, and hard work helped create this space.”
Larkin’s other home football game this season will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 — the “crosstown rivalry” game against Elgin High School.
“For more than six decades, generations of Royals dreamed of having an athletic complex to call their own,” said Larkin Principal Jason Misicka. “This new facility is about much more than where we play; it is a place where our students, families and alumni can come together, strengthen their connection to Larkin, and celebrate what it means to be a Royal.”
Large crowds are expected for both of this season’s home football games. Fans who live within 2 miles of the school are being asked to walk, if possible. Other fans are encouraged to park at one of two satellite parking lots in Elgin — Creekside Elementary School, 655 N. Airlite St., or Kimball Middle School, 451 N. McLean Blvd. School District U-46 will provide shuttle bus transportation between the remote parking lots and Larkin starting at 5:30 p.m.
Administrators at Larkin High School are also working to make sure students, alumni, and community members know the rules and expectations for games at Royals Athletic Complex:
Prohibited items include backpacks, balls, noisemakers, outside speakers, props, outside food or drink, any type of bottle, cups, tobacco, vapes, and alcohol.
Unsportsmanlike conduct by fans will not be accepted and will result in removal from the complex.
Children younger than high school must be accompanied by an adult, and patrons cannot bring in large groups of children and claim them as their own.
U-46 guidelines do not support re-entry to games after leaving the athletic complex.
Advance tickets for the Oct. 2 football game are available through GoFan. Sales will close on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. or when 750 tickets are sold. Game day tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate. Adults are $5, non U-46 students are $3 with a student ID, and U-46 residents age 62 or older are free.
U-46 high school students will not need a ticket to attend the game but must show their student ID. U-46 elementary and middle school students can also attend for free, but they must show their student ID and be accompanied by a paying adult.
Larkin High School was built in 1962 and has never had its own athletic complex. The Royals played their football and soccer games at other sites, primarily Elgin High School. The new facility features a turf field, running track, and seating for more than 2,000 spectators. The field is named Ray Haley Field, honoring the legacy of the school’s first football coach and longtime athletic director.
Larkin Athletic Director Alex Serluco said he thinks the new athletic complex will bring with it a sense of pride that will extend well beyond athletics.
“The games, traditions, and memories created here will be part of Larkin’s story for generations to come,” he said.