This behind-the-scenes guide to The Senior filming locations was written by guest blogger Lisandra Montes, who served as the assistant to the director during filming.  We invite fans of the film to visit Fort Worth to explore the real-life locations listed below.

At the heart of the feature film The Senior lies a story almost too remarkable to believe, yet entirely true. At 59 years old, Mike Flynt laced up his cleats and returned to his college football team, decades after being kicked off. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, second chances, and the idea that it’s never too late to chase unfinished dreams.

Although the true story took place in West Texas, The Senior production was based in Fort Worth, with filming in and around the city. Fort Worth’s versatile locations allowed us to capture everything from stadium lights and locker room talks to college life in the 1970s. 

Watching Fort Worth transform into the canvas for this inspiring story was an amazing experience. Being part of that process was especially meaningful as the director’s assistant on my very first film set job.  And the good news is, a lot of these filming spots are open to the public, so go see them firsthand!

The film from Wayfarer and Angel Studios is directed by Rod Lurie and stars Michael Chiklis, Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, and Rob Corddry. The film premiered in theaters nationwide on September 19, 2025.

TAKE A TOUR

Texas Wesleyan University

201 Wesleyan Street, Fort Worth, TX 76105
 

Several scenes from The Senior take place on the Sul Ross State University campus in Alpine, Texas. The Texas Wesleyan University campus was transformed to capture this in Fort Worth. Audiences watch Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt and Shawn Patrick Clifford as Young Mike Flynt roam the halls, classrooms, and corridors during the film. Founded in 1890 as Polytechnic College,Texas Wesleyan has grown into a vibrant 75-acre campus blending historic charm with modern facilities. With its mix of history and charm, Texas Wesleyan gave the film the perfect backdrop to bring Sul Ross to life.

Scarborough-Handley Field – Fort Worth

6201 Craig Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112
 

Most of the football action was filmed at Scarborough-Handley Field, transformed into Sul Ross University’s home turf. The Game Changing Films team choreographed every play with precision to capture authenticity, while long days and late nights on set balanced hard work with plenty of fun. The result was fast-paced, realistic sequences that brought the games to life. Built in 1946, Scarborough-Handley remains a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s high school football scene, seating 5,000 and carrying decades of history.

Saginaw High School

800 N Blue Mound Rd, Saginaw, TX 76131
 

Several scenes were filmed at Saginaw High School, including the press box, coach’s office, and a football game. With its well-kept field and facilities, the school perfectly showcased the energy and authenticity of Texas high school football. Saginaw’s athletic programs are highly regarded and have quickly grown since the school opened in 2005, making its football field a true centerpiece for the community.

Farrington Field

1501 N University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107
 

The locker room at Farrington Field stood in as the Sul Ross team’s locker room, featured prominently during Mike Flynt’s big inspirational speech. Designed by Preston M. Geren and completed in 1939, Farrington Field is an 18,500-seat multi-use stadium and a beloved Fort Worth landmark. Its historic character and spacious facilities gave the perfect backdrop for capturing the energy and emotion of this pivotal moment in the film.

Birdville Stadium

900 W Birdville Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
 

Featured in the film’s opening scene, Birdville Stadium was transformed into Southwest Texas State Field for the 1970s college football sequences. Every detail was carefully crafted—from wardrobe and makeup to the energy of our extras, crew, and cast—to capture the look and feel of the era. I even doubled as one of Eileen’s friends during this shoot and have vivid memories of running around the stands in heels, trying to keep up with the action. The production worked hard to make the stadium authentically 1970s, and the result was a setting that felt both true to the period and alive with energy..

Mike and Eileen’s Alpine House

Fuller’s Folly River Ranch in Weatherford, TX
 

FF River Ranch doubled as Mike and Eileen’s on-screen home during Mike’s time at Sul Ross State University. Set on a beautiful, spacious piece of land, it was the perfect backdrop for quiet, domestic scenes and carried a peaceful, unwind-here vibe. With its wide-open landscape and surrounding wildlife, it offered an authentic sense of life in Alpine while grounding Mike’s story in a lived-in, natural setting.

This property is a popular filming location for many Fort Worth-based films and is also open to visitors looking to plan a relaxed vacation away from the city.

Twilite Lounge

212 Lipscomb, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Scenes of Mike Flynt reconnecting with old friends at his college reunion were filmed at the Twilite Lounge in Fort Worth. While this bar has since closed, the address is now home to Morton’s Tavern, and fans can still enjoy the Twilite Lounge atmosphere at its Dallas location.

Production Offices

Premier High School

319 Lipscomb St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
 

Blanc Studio

2212 W Peter Smith St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
 

Our production offices were centrally located first at what is  now Premier High School and later at Blanc Studios. These spaces were crucial for keeping the production organized and running smoothly, hosting all our meetings, planning sessions, and behind-the-scenes magic. Both locations were beautiful, highly functional, and created the perfect environment for the creative and logistical needs of the team, helping the film come to life efficiently and seamlessly.

Closing Note

My time on The Senior was unforgettable, not only because it was the first film I worked on, but because of the people I had the chance to work alongside. The cast and crew were amazing, and the friendships I made will last a lifetime. Having Mike and Eileen Flynt on set every day brought so much heart and authenticity to the experience, reminding us all why this story matters. Filmed right here in Fort Worth, this movie is a testament to resilience and second chances, captured against the backdrop of a city that knows both heart and history.