Pueblo Football Rivalry: The Pueblo Football Bell Games

THE STADIUM & THE MAN

The importance of football to the Pueblo community is significant. It defines the culture in Pueblo and every person gets prepared for the rivalry games in the fall. In 1950, Pueblo decided to build a stadium that will host thousands of football games for years;  The Pueblo Public School Stadium. Dutch Clark Stadium, formerly Pueblo Public School Stadium, was rededicated to honor Clark in 1980, and a statue portraying Dutch was placed outside the stadium five years later. They named the stadium after legend Earle "Dutch" Clark, who left his mark at Central High School in the 1920s. One of the first superstars from this Southeast Colorado city, residents of Pueblo likely know Dutch Clark from the local stadium. Renamed in the 1980s to honor Clark this stadium is where most High School Sporting events take place. (Pueblo Chieftain)
Most famously, Dutch Clark Stadium hosts the annual Bell Game rivalry between Pueblo Central and Centennial every year. The game personifies a cross-town rivalry that has existed since 1892, a tradition rich in school pride and historic performances. Every year, swarms of fans cloaked in blue clash with the opposition, painted red from head to toe, all in the name of boisterous, friendly competition. (Pueblo Chieftain) 
As a senior, Clark was already wildly successful as the Wildcats fullback and kicker. Central High School was poised to make a state championship run that year as they were undefeated going into the bell game that year. In the 1925 game between Central and Centennial, Clark ran for four touchdowns and threw for two more on the way to a 43-0 victory over the bulldogs. The performance solidified Dutch as a star, not just in Pueblo, but across the country according to Willis. (Chris Willis NFL Films)

Renamed in the 1980s from the Pueblo Public School Stadium, the namesake stadium resonates throughout all those who have competed there. As a gathering spot for one of the hottest rivalries in all of American High School Football, the Dutch Clark Stadium routinely fills to capacity when its time to play for the Bell. (Pueblo Chieftain)

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