It's difficult to focus on football at Washington High School in San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in its backyard.

The Washington High School Stadium has a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
Some of the America's most famous football players have played high school football games at
Washington (San Francisco), including NFL Hall of Famers Ollie Matson, O.J. Simpson and Dan Fouts.
Matson, also an Olympic medal-winning sprinter, is the only Washington alum of the trio. He graduated in 1948, eight years after the football stadium was built.
More famous than the players who have graced the field is the setting itself, nestled high in the Richmond District overlooking one of the Wonders of the World - the Golden Gate Bridge.
Called simply Washington High School Stadium, the field is also accented by a beautiful 2,500 square foot frieze with panels that depict both ancient and modern sports in the Olympics. The field was also updated two seasons ago with clean, bright, green, red, white and gold artificial turf. It was recently featured in our 10 high school football stadiums to see before you die slideshow.
But what clearly makes the stadium stand out is the view, a fact not lost upon Washington's students, athletes or faculty.
"It is a privilege to see this beautiful view everyday," Washington principal Ericka Lovrin said. "The faculty and students never take this view for granted. We know we have a million dollar view and we cherish it. It fills you with pride for San Francisco."
More pride is felt when the Eagles play San Francisco City Section rival Lincoln in the annual Big Bell Game. The teams will tangle for the 68th time Saturday at Lincoln. Washington holds a 35-31-1 lead in the series.{PAGEBREAK}

The stadium - which was built in 1940 - had its field updated two years ago with artificial turf.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The stadium sits in the middle of the campus with classrooms overlooking the field.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

In the back of the south end zone there is a 2,500 square foot frieze with panels that depict both ancient and modern sports in the Olympics. This artwork was designed when the stadium opened in 1940.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

Washington students regularly use the stadium to gather during their lunch break.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The Golden Gate Bridge is framed in a window on the third floor of the school's main building, which overlooks the stadium.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The school and stadium are located in the Richmond District of San Francisco.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

Besides the spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the stadium also offers a view of the San Francisco skyline.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The Washington High School Stadium seats approximately 3,000 fans. Besides football, the stadium is also used for soccer and lacrosse games.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The stadium has no lights so only day games are held there.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The Marin Headlands are seen in this view looking at the north end zone. The school is in the process of replacing its outdated scoreboard.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
{PAGEBREAK}

The Golden Gate Bridge in all its splendor as seen from the campus.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff