Arizona Cardinals donates new football field, scoreboard to Queen Creek school

QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. - The Arizona Cardinals teamed up with State Farm to provide a new field and scoreboard for the students at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek.

The $100,000 donation is more than just a field, but a pathway to new opportunities for the students. 

Michael Bankston, a former Cardinal-turned-case manager at Canyon State Academy, says the field is a big deal for the students.

"These kids come from…adverse childhood experiences, so to give them something and see the support of the community, especially companies like State Farm and also the AZ Cardinals…they're proud to be on the field," said Bankston. "They're proud to be a part of the Canyon State Academy."

Those who made the field a possibility were able to see the students enjoy it for the first time.

"We love doing things where we live and work in our communities, and especially if it involves youth," said Amy Harris with State Farm. "Anything we can do to give back it's just great -- so it's just fantastic to be out here today."

Bankston says this is offering new experiences and opportunities for students.

"Win, loss or draw, these guys are happy they had an opportunity to be a part of sports because some of them have never played football before, basketball before, track, any of those things," Bankston said. "They're happy to be part of a group setting and [to] learn how to get along with each other."

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