Blue and white took over StillFire Brewing on August 29 — and for very good reason.
The Campbell High School community had gathered for the inaugural Spartan Soirée, bringing Spartan families, friends, alumni and supporters together for a night that felt equal parts celebration, reunion and rally for the future of Campbell athletics.
Hosted by the Spartan Athletic Association, the evening paired plenty of fun with a much bigger purpose: building an even stronger athletic experience for Campbell students.
StillFire got into the Spartan spirit, too, creating Spartan Blue, a special blue lager brewed just for the occasion. The can featured a custom label by Erin Machado, winner of the Spartan Brew label design contest. Add live music from Pushing Daisies, DJ Andre, local food favorites and plenty of blue-and-white pride, and the whole evening felt like one big Campbell celebration.
For Spartan Athletic Association President Dr. Jamie Michael, the response was especially meaningful.
“The Smyrna community and Spartan families are always ready to be there to support,” Jamie said. “We are so excited about the response we have gotten as we are just getting started.”
Campbell High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Phillip Howard said reconnecting the school with the surrounding community has been one of his priorities since arriving on campus.
The turnout, he said, showed that people see the work happening at Campbell — and want to be part of what comes next. Phillip describes Campbell as “a sleeping giant that is slowly waking up,” with plenty more ahead.
And that may have been the best part of the night.
Yes, there was music. There was food. There was Spartan Blue flowing. But underneath it all was something even better: a community showing up, cheering loudly and making it clear that Campbell athletics has plenty of people in its corner.
If the inaugural Soirée proved anything, it’s that Spartan spirit is alive, well — and just getting warmed up.
“I feel like Campbell High School, by way of Smyrna, is a sleeping giant that is slowly waking up. We have so many more amazing things on the way!”
— Phillip Howard
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SPARTANS
The Spartan Soirée may have been a celebration, but the Spartan Athletic Association has its sights set firmly on what comes next — and on creating an even stronger athletic experience for Campbell students.
FIRST UP
The Association’s first planned investment is a new digital scoreboard and PA system that will serve 18 different Campbell athletic programs, giving student-athletes and fans an upgraded game-day experience across multiple sports.
BUILDING MOMENTUM
The organization expects to have raised $100,000 by the end of October, helping move its larger vision for improved athletic facilities, stronger support for Spartan programs and a more memorable experience for everyone who comes out to cheer them on.
MORE TO COME
The inaugural Soirée won’t be a one-and-done. It will return next year, and additional Spartan Athletic Association events are already planned throughout this school year as the organization continues building excitement and support across the community.
GET INVOLVED
Want to help keep the momentum going? Learn more about upcoming projects, ways to support Campbell athletics and opportunities to get involved at CampbellSpartanAthletics.org.