Friday Night Lights Return to Derby

DERBY- Friday Night Lights will return to DeFilippo Field at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20. That's when the Derby High School Red Raiders face the Red Raiders from Torrington. Game time is 7 p.m. All residents and former players are encouraged to attend. 

The event will serve as a celebration of the major makeover the Leo F. Ryan Sports Complex/DeFilippo Field received. The project included a brand new fieldhouse, multi-use turf field, running track, bleachers and press box, thanks to bond funds from the State of Connecticut and a private donation from Joan Payden, president/CEO/Founder of Payden & Rygel.  

The next big event at the complex will take place Oct. 12 when the city will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the J.R. Payden Field House and Payden Park.