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Next year, the Allen school district is expected to ask voters to approve funding for a new football stadium. Teams that have played Allen at Eagle Stadium have this message for voters:

Please say yes.

"That's probably the most intimidating place to play right now," Richardson Berkner coach Jim Ledford said. "They put those kids in the end zone, and they're yelling at you, and it's always packed."

Overflowing, in fact. Allen is a growing city, with one of the biggest high schools in the state and perhaps the largest marching band in the nation. Eagle Stadium, however, was built in 1976 for Allen's then Class 2A football team. It seats less than 8,000.

That's why Allen started adding temporary bleachers six years ago. Those bleachers push the capacity to around 12,000, but that isn't enough when Allen plays a big-time opponent.

Such as this week, when Euless Trinity (2-0), the top-ranked team in the state, plays at Allen (3-0), ranked No. 6. Trinity is the defending 5A Division I champion and is No. 1 in two national rankings. Allen, which has a 26-3 record since the start of the 2006 season, is trying to prove this year's team can play with the best.

It's the area's best matchup of the season so far.

"It will show us where we stand," Allen coach Tom Westerberg said.

Standing is what a lot of fans will be doing and not just to cheer big plays. That's the downside of a stadium built three decades ago. The upside for Allen is that it's one heck of a home-field advantage.

Not many high school stadiums have fans cheering beyond each end zone, which is where Allen put its temporary bleachers. Those bleachers give the stadium an enclosed feeling, and they bring the screaming fans closer to the field.

"They're right on you," Rowlett coach Kiff Hardin said, "and the noise is horrendous."

That has helped Allen win its last 13 home games by an average of more than two touchdowns. Eagle Stadium is packed, loud, and for Allen opponents, a frustrating place to play.

But it's still a great atmosphere, opposing coaches say. And Westerberg makes a good point:

"It's a whole lot more fun to play at Allen than it is to play in a one-third full Texas Stadium or an SMU stadium that's half full," he said. "It's a great experience for the players."

And the fans, too. Unless, of course, they want to get something from the crowded concession areas. But maybe it's better not to get anything to eat or drink, because fans can miss a quarter of the game waiting in line for a portable toilet.

So for fans going to the game, planning ahead is important. Get to the game early and remember what Allen fans have said for years:

Buying a ticket does not mean you get a seat.

Euless Trinity (2-0) at Allen (3-0): 7:30 p.m., Friday. Radio: KFCD-AM 990; TV: Ch. 21 11 p.m. Friday (tape-delayed)