The Reitz Bowl was born by accident. It was originally planned as a retaining wall for the new F. J. Reitz High School. Foresight by a school member noted that with some small changes a football stadium could be made too. In 1921, the first year in which Reitz High School was fully accredited by North Central Association, the 10,000-seat Reitz Stadium was completed. The first two years was a reserve schedule and then in 1921 Reitz began varsity play.

In 1931, Reitz played its first night game. Also in 1931, Reitz played Bosse an extra game for charity on December 4. This was during the great depression. 1959 was the last Thanksgiving Day game in the State of Indiana, Reitz against Bosse. 1973 saw the new all transistor scoreboard go into effect. It was, as all past Reitz scoreboards, a gift of the West Side Nut Club. In 1974 Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) was introduced to the Reitz Bowl. PAT is a method of draining and irrigation from pipes laid beneath the playing surface. What occurs during this process is the drainage of any excess water by a vacuum system when the field is flooded by rain, and irrigating water to the surface of the field when it is too dry.

Along with PAT came the renovation of the bowl seating, walkways, and stairs. A new all weather track was added too. In 1976 all metal permanent type bleachers become a reality. Play Clocks were introduced to the Bowl in 1995, and 2003 saw a brand new sound system that rivals those in the Big Ten Conference.

In addition to being the home site for Panthers football games, the Reitz Bowl is also the home site for nearby, friendly rival, Catholic High School Mater Dei Wildcats football games.

Reitz won their first football championship in the IHSAA Tournament era on November 24, 2007 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis (Class 4A). Reitz defeated the Lowell Red Devils 33-14. They, again, beat Lowell in the 2009 IHSAA 4A Football Championship, in Lucas Oil Stadium, 23-9. This was Reitz 11th football title, and 12th overall school athletic team title.

In 2009 the Reitz Bowl was given a long awaited gift, artificial turf. In the early part of the year construction crews began to tear up the old natural playing surface. As months passed by, Reitz fans, especially students, faculty, and staff, slowly began to watch the bowl gets it new playing surface. In late May 2009 the final touches were added to the SprinTurf playing surface.

Best Regards, Class Reunion Committee

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