T-Mobile brings Friday Night 5G Lights tailgate to Gainesville to help high schools compete for prizes  

Press release from T-Mobile

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – T-Mobile is bringing its Friday Night 5G Lights tailgate experience to Gainesville to help kick off the Florida high school football season and celebrate the communities that make Friday nights special. The free event is part of a nationwide tailgate taking place at 500 T-Mobile stores, with Gainesville selected as one of 15 locations for an enhanced experience.

Attendees can enjoy free food, games, giveaways, and a Gronk augmented reality experience. Local high school football players, cheerleaders, and band members will also be on site, and T-Mobile associates will help eligible schools in the area learn how to apply for Friday Night 5G Lights prizes.

Attendees can also scan an on-site QR code for a chance to win a full-size football and mini helmet signed by Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, with one prize set available exclusively at the Gainesville event. T‑Mobile members also have the chance to win a 2026 Honda Passport, exclusively available via T‑Mobile Tuesdays. Plus, score free grill tongs on Aug. 11 through T‑Mobile Tuesdays in the T-Life app. 

WHEN 

• Saturday, August 15, 2026
• 11 AM to 2 PM

WHERE 

• T-Mobile, 3600 SW Archer Rd Ste C, Gainesville, FL 32608

Through Friday Night 5G Lights, T-Mobile is awarding more than $8.4 million in prizes to high school programs nationwide. Since the program launched in 2024, 25 Florida high schools have already won a combined $150,000, underscoring the opportunity for even more local schools to benefit this season. Schools can win weekly $5,000 prizes just for applying, with additional awards available for finalists, division champions, a fan favorite, and one grand prize winner that will receive a complete $1 million football field upgrade. Applications are open now through September 18. Schools can learn more and apply at www.FridayNight5GLights.com.