Where was Johnny Be Good filmed?

The film opens with a climactic scene set in a school rugby match—the final one of the season. Before the game begins, the coach (Paul Gleason) delivers an impassioned victory speech, setting the tone for the upcoming battle on the field. This scene serves as a powerful introduction to the movie's narrative, establishing the high stakes and the intense competition that characterizes the world of high school sports.

The Texas Stadium in Irving, a suburb located west of Dallas, served as the filming location for this memorable scene. Opened in 1971, the stadium was recognized for its one-of-a-kind architectural element—a hole in the roof. This was due to initial plans to build a retractable roof that was eventually scrapped. The unique aesthetic of the stadium provided an authentic and unforgettable setting for the kick-off scene of Johnny Be Good.

Apart from this film, the Texas Stadium also appeared in numerous television series episodes, Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001), further cementing its place in pop culture history. However, it's important to note that the Texas Stadium is now permanently closed, and fans cannot visit the exact location.

To get to Irving from Dallas, you can take the I-35E and TX-183 W, a straightforward route that takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. While you won't be able to visit the Texas Stadium, you can still explore the city of Irving and imagine the iconic scenes filmed there.

Johnny (Anthony Michael Hall), a student at the imaginary Ashcroft High School and the country's most sought-after high school quarterback, is at a significant turning point in his life. Many schools are hotly pursuing him, and his closest friend, Leo Wiggins (Robert Downey Jr.), suggests he hold out for the most appealing offer. In contrast, his girlfriend, Georgia (Uma Thurman), urges him to accompany her to State University, valuing a robust education over the glamor of football stardom.

Like many others in the film, this pivotal scene occurs in the charming town of Georgetown, Texas. Known for its beautiful main street, diverse local shopping, and vibrant restaurants and bars, Georgetown is a delight for visitors. Located just under an hour from Austin, it is brimming with local charm and culture.

The Georgetown Square, often called "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas," is a must-visit location. While the exact filming locations within Georgetown are not specified, Johnny Be Good fans can wander the streets, soak in the atmosphere, and imagine the spaces where their favorite scenes might have been filmed. A stop at the Georgetown Art Center, known for its rotating exhibitions, educational events, and artist studios, is also recommended.

To get to Georgetown from Austin, you can take the I-35 N, a straightforward route that takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Once in Georgetown, the town square and the art center are easily accessible on foot, offering a delightful way to explore the town at your own pace.

There's a notable scene featuring a date night at a drive-in theater between main characters Johnny and Georgia after a school party. As they enjoy a romantic movie from a swing, they discuss their future plans. However, the coach interrupts their intimate moment and wants to discuss Johnny's potential selection at Piermont University.

This memorable scene was filmed in New Braunfels, at what was then known as Keno’s Drive Inn grocery and bait store. Today, this site is recognized as the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre. While the specific props and decorations from the film may no longer be present, the classic drive-in atmosphere remains intact.

The Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre showcases a mix of classic films and the latest Hollywood releases, making it an exciting destination for movie lovers. Fans of Johnny Be Good can visit the theater and experience the charm of the drive-in setting featured in the film. For information regarding the theater's operating hours, visit their official website.

Head north on N Seguin Ave toward E San Antonio St to get to Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre from downtown New Braunfels. Then, continue onto TX-46 W. After a few minutes, turn right, and your destination will be on the right. Public transportation is currently unavailable.

Johnny visits his first prospective university, Ol' Tex. The headmaster pulls out all the stops to entice Johnny, offering him attractive incentives like cars, cash, and free room and board. He even takes Johnny on a helicopter to the university in an extravagant gesture. The university, whose team is named the Horny Toads, goes as far as hosting a concert for Johnny and introducing him to other university stars.

This scene was filmed at the Bildarth Estate in Comfort, Texas, which was transformed into the fictional “Olde Tex University” for the movie. Constructed in the early 1980s by H.W. "Bill" Worth Jr. and his spouse, Darolyn, the Bildarth Estate was deliberately fashioned to mirror the style of French mansions from the 19th century. One key architectural detail that sets this mansion apart is the array of 32 white columns that form a ring around the main house, situated atop Sky Line Drive.

The Bildarth Estate has since been recognized as a cultural landmark. Fans interested in visiting the location are advised to reach out to the site's administration or owners to inquire about possible visitation arrangements.

To reach the Bildarth Estate from downtown Comfort, you can follow the US-87 N and FM473 E routes. The journey is relatively short, lasting approximately 10 minutes, although this may vary due to traffic conditions. Regrettably, public transportation options are not accessible for this particular route.

On Signing Day, everyone's attention is fixed on Johnny's press conference. In a surprising twist, Coach Hisler invites four other top prospects from Johnny's high school team to join him and Johnny on stage. He then announced they would all attend Piermont the following school year, with Hisler as head coach and Johnny as quarterback.

This significant scene was filmed at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio. This public high school, one of ten in the San Antonio Independent School District, was completed in 1932, making it the third high school built in the city. The school was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and designated a Texas historic landmark.

Fans of the movie can also visit Alamo Heights High School, another filming location for the school scenes in Johnny Be Good. Located not far from Thomas Jefferson High School, Alamo Heights allows fans to see more locations familiar from the film.

To get to Thomas Jefferson High School from downtown San Antonio, you can take the US-281 N and I-10 W. It's a quick drive, roughly 15 minutes, depending on traffic. For Alamo Heights High School, take the US-281 N from downtown. The journey should take around 20 minutes.

Johnny is seen sprinting down a corridor to meet with an enigmatic athletic director. This person turns out to be Ned Sanders (Steve James), the head coach of State University, who warmly welcomes Johnny and formally extends a scholarship offer to him. Johnny expresses his desire for quality education and the opportunity to continue playing football.

This significant scene, occurring towards the end of the film, was shot at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Founded in 1852 by Marianist brothers and priests, St. Mary's is the first higher education institution in San Antonio and the oldest Catholic university in Texas and the Southwest. The university has earned national recognition as a liberal arts institution through its commitment to personal attention and robust academic programs.

St. Mary's University is still operational today. Fans interested in visiting the location where this scene was filmed are advised to contact the university's administration for possible visitation arrangements.

There are multiple transportation options available to reach the location from downtown San Antonio. You can choose to take a public bus, a taxi, or drive by car. If you opt for the bus, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes. Convenient parking facilities are available at the destination.