Alumni Stadium Renovations Approved by Board

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Jasper- Alumni Stadium will undergo a major renovation.

More seating for both home and visiting teams, locker room and concession updates, ticketing booths, and restrooms were included in the over $9-million bid that was approved by the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board at Monday’s board meeting. 

Approved alternatives included two A/C Units, chair back seating and a cover for the roof of the press box for film crews and coaches.

The 400-chair back seating will likely be reserved for the booster club members according to Jasper Athletic Director (AD) Phil Kendall. These seats will be located on the lower level of stadium. The stands will not be as wide on the home side as they currently are, with a shortening to be between the 18-yard lines on either side. An additional fifteen rows are being added to adjust for the shortening. 

New home and away locker rooms will be constructed behind the bleachers with the current ones being transitioned for freshman.

AD Kendall says he believes fans will be excited to see the renovations done. Kendall believes it has been 40 years since any construction or renovation was done on the stadium.

For him, Kendall is excited about the ticket booths among the other renovations.

"I won't have to set up little tents that get blown away in the wind anymore," said Kendall, "You are going to see a nice new ticket pavilion on the northwest side of the stadium and also on the Schroeder Complex side."

Funding for the project will come from a bond that was issued as part of the Strategic Long-Range Planning according to Dr. Tracey Lorey. The project will have no effect on taxes.

Work is expected to begin with phase one in the late winter to early spring 2023 with the laying of utilities. During the 2023 season, locker rooms will be constructed. The entire project is hoped to be completed by the kickoff of the 2024 football season. A change of venue is possible for the 2024 track season.