The Mason Comets will be the visiting team when Princeton High School debuts its newly renovated $22 million stadium on Friday, Oct. 2, turning a road game against the defending Greater Miami Conference champions into a marquee early-fall test for head coach Brian Castner's squad.

Princeton announced Tuesday, Aug. 11, that Jake Sweeney Automotive Stadium at Pat Mancuso Field in Sharonville won't be ready for the start of the season due to construction delays, according to WCPO. The district chose to make the Oct. 2 homecoming game against Mason the facility's competitive debut. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The stadium originally opened in 1961 and has undergone a full renovation this summer, including a new track, turf base layer, separate visitor entrances, improved outdoor lighting and enhanced WiFi, according to Princeton City Schools.

Princeton athletic director Joe Roberts acknowledged the delay in a statement.

"We appreciate our community's patience and understanding as we work through these final steps to deliver a first-class facility that will serve Princeton students for generations," Roberts said.

Princeton's three September home games have been relocated to Roettger Stadium in Lockland: Sept. 4 vs. Colerain, Sept. 11 vs. Sycamore and Sept. 18 vs. Lakota West.

What it means for Mason

For the Comets, the Oct. 2 game pits Castner's squad against a Princeton team that finished first in the GMC in 2025. Mason went 5-4 in conference play and 5-6 overall last season, finishing sixth.

Castner told Sports Illustrated that his defense is almost entirely rebuilt heading into 2026.

"We're replacing pretty much all the starters on defense," Castner said. "The defensive line is definitely going to be new and raw and green."

Junior lineman AJ Kaylor (11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks in 2025) and senior inside linebacker Dave Hutton (57 tackles, 5 TFL) anchor the returning defensive pieces. On offense, junior quarterback Alex Nagel takes the reins, with senior running back CJ Layton and receivers Chris Hubbard and Alec Cilley providing weapons around him.

Homecoming week schedule

The stadium celebration extends beyond game night. Princeton's full homecoming week includes:

  • Saturday, Sept. 26: People of Princeton Festival and Stadium Ribbon Cutting, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., featuring the first home performance of the Pride of Princeton Marching Band, food trucks and activities
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30: Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally at Chester and Sharon roads
  • Friday, Oct. 2: Homecoming Football Game vs. Mason, 7 p.m. (also Staff Appreciation Night and Community Officials Night)
  • Saturday, Oct. 3: All Class Reunion at the Princeton Amphitheater