Both districts reported Battle of the Ax sellout at Munson Stadium

_By GvilleTX Newsroom_

Both school districts behind the Battle of the Ax said the Aug. 28 game sold out before kickoff, and Sherman ISD told fans no tickets would be sold at the gate for the 7 p.m. meeting at Munson Stadium in Denison. Denison ISD posted its own notice calling the game officially sold out and sending fans without seats to a livestream.

Denison High School listed the rivalry game for Friday, Aug. 28, at Munson Stadium, 326 W. Crawford St., which Denison ISD identifies as the Yellow Jackets' home field and a venue for school and community events. Sherman ISD gave ticket holders entry instructions specific to the home and visitor sides.

Denison ISD built its Battle of the Ax week around what the district calls the oldest rivalry in Texas high school football. The UIL's football centennial rivalry record places the two schools 16 miles apart, dates the first Sherman-Denison game to 1902, and counts 114 meetings through 2019, with Sherman ahead in the series at that point, 66-42-6.

Sherman ISD's varsity schedule, released in March, listed the Sherman-Denison matchup as a non-district opener, with only later dates marked as district games.

Sherman ISD's district newsletter in August 2024 reported student tickets sold out for the 126th varsity meeting while adult seats were still available. The district announced the 2025 game as the final Battle of the Ax at Bearcat Stadium, then updated that notice to say it had sold out. The NFHS counted a fifth straight year of growth in high school sports participation in 2025-26 and ranked Texas first among the states.

Sherman home games are moving. The district says its five-story multipurpose stadium at Sherman High School opens in September 2026, three years ahead of the date shared with voters, with seating for about 8,000 and a first varsity game Sept. 18 against The Colony. Sherman ISD says the 2023 bond projects were funded without raising the school district tax rate. Bearcat Stadium, in use for district competition since 1941, stays open for middle school and youth sports.

Neither district takes cash at the window. Denison ISD sells through HomeTown on card only, and Sherman ISD requires varsity football tickets be bought online, including at the door by mobile QR code. Gainesville High School's athletics site uses the same HomeTown system and listed a Sept. 4 home game against Fort Worth Benbrook at 7 p.m.

Denison ISD board minutes from Aug. 18 describe an annual reception with trustees and administrators from both districts, and note that the invitation did not admit anyone to the game without a ticket. Munson Stadium rules bar alcohol, tobacco, drugs and firearms on school property and require clear bags for backpacks and purses. Denison Parks and Recreation promoted tailgating outside the stadium with gates at 5:30 p.m.