MOUNT HOPE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – High school football is returning to Mount Hope Municipal Stadium this fall as the Greater Beckley Christian School Crusaders prepare for the return of the school’s football program after a two-decade absence.
The decision was approved unanimously by the Mount Hope City Council at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
The Crusaders will use the stadium for home varsity games on Friday nights and junior varsity contests on Monday nights during the 2026 season. Mount Hope Little League Football and Cheer will continue utilizing the facility as well.
Greater Beckley Christian is bringing back football for the first time since the program was discontinued in 2005. The Crusaders are expected to play primarily junior varsity games this season, along with a limited number of varsity contests as a Class A program.
Speaking to Mount Hope City Council members, Greater Beckley Head Football Coach Brian Harmon said community support has been strong.
“We have had tremendous positive feedback from the residents of Mount Hope regarding their desire to see football played back in the legendary stadium again,” Harmon stated.
Harmon said the program hopes to build on the tradition established at the facility.
“We would love to be able to continue and build upon the legacy of the Mustangs and having Crusader football in the stadium.”
Mount Hope Municipal Stadium was formerly home to the Mount Hope High School Mustangs before the school’s closure and consolidation with Oak Hill High School in 2011.
The return of football to the stadium marks the first time in years that regular high school football games will be played at the historic venue.
