T-Mobile has over $8 million that burns a hole in its pocket, here's how to apply for prizes from $5,000 to $1,000,000

T-Mobile, much like its AT&T and Verizon rivals, is leaning into community-focused initiatives to strengthen its brand beyond just phone plans. The Magenta carrier has announced the return of its Friday Night 5G Lights program for a third season.

Now, the campaign expands with more than $8 million in prizes for small-town high schools across the US, including another chance to win a $1 million football field upgrade.

They've got some stars, too

Football legends Patrick Mahomes and Rob Gronkowski return to the Friday Night 5G Lights program to serve as its champions.

The goal is simple: small-town high schools across America can compete for better opportunities than ever. Local communities have to rally behind their hometown schools.

Last year, a town in Arkansas (population just 900) won the big prize, securing a $1 million sports field upgrade.

What are the prizes?

T-Mobile says the program has united communities around their local schools over the past two years. Friday Night 5G Lights has now grown beyond football into a celebration of small-town pride and traditions, with this year's expanded program giving more schools a chance to win.

Over $8.4 million in total prizes are on the line:

• 1,000 schools will each receive a $5,000 prize through the weekly "5K Fridays" sweepstakes.
• Four schools with standout social media videos will be awarded a $5,000 Spotlight School prize.
• 40 finalist schools—10 each from the West, East, Midwest, and South—will earn $25,000 for their school and a T-Mobile-hosted Home Game Celebration.
• The four division champions will each take home $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym worth about $90,000 and a $5,000 "The Big Deal" student leadership award.
• One finalist selected as the "Fan Favorite" by T-Mobile employees will receive an additional $25,000
• One overall grand prize winner will be awarded a $1 million football field makeover.

Now, let's see how to apply.

Participating is easy

Eligible high schools in US towns (with populations under 150,000) can apply through September 18 by submitting a short essay explaining why their football field deserves an upgrade. The first 1,500 schools to enter will receive a rally kit, and every eligible application is automatically entered into the weekly "5K Fridays" sweepstakes, which will award $5,000 to 1,000 schools over eight weeks.

Schools are also encouraged to rally local support on X and Instagram, where eligible posts using the campaign hashtags count as additional sweepstakes entries. New this year, a panel of judges will narrow the field to 40 finalists—10 each from the West, East, Midwest and South—based on criteria including community impact, need, creativity, school pride and overall engagement.

Public voting

From there, the competition shifts to public voting, with fans able to cast one vote per day through the campaign website and T-Life app. Schools can earn bonus votes by participating in "Spirit Week" social media challenges.

The four division champions will each receive $250,000, a Gronk Fitness gym and a student leadership award before advancing to the final round, where one school will ultimately win the $1 million football field renovation.

T-Mobile doesn't stop here

Friday Night 5G Lights is part of T-Mobile's broader push to support rural and small-town communities.

For example, T-Mobile is also busy with its Hometown Grants program, bringing the initiative to a total of 500 funded projects since its launch in 2021. The carrier says it has invested more than $22.8 million to support community development projects across 49 states and Puerto Rico, helping fund initiatives ranging from playgrounds to digital learning centers.

According to T-Mobile, the program has benefited about 4.2 million people, supported the creation of more than 2,770 jobs and attracted nearly $125 million in matching funds. The final funding round drew more than 2,000 applications, prompting the company to award 26 grants of up to $50,000 each.

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