(WALA) – Many high school football stadiums across our area are getting some much needed upgrades before the 2024 season kicks off in August. I went out to Spanish Fort, Elberta, and Mary G. Montgomery to see how things are coming along.
Elberta High School is one of the fastest growing schools in the state and with that steady growth, comes the need for improvements. The football team will get to play in a brand new $6 million dollar stadium this season, one that can fit 2,500 people on Friday nights, complete with a new press box, restroom building, field turf and athletic training room.
In just two weeks, what once was this construction zone has transformed into a place the Warriors can feel proud to call home when they take the field this season.
Baldwin County has been the fastest growing county in Alabama since 2010, so another school with work underway is Spanish fort. Construction officially started at the Hill last week. The Toros are getting a brand new dual fiber artificial turf system and the 8 lane running track will be resurfaced.
Spanish fort will also have a light show next season with brand new led lights going up. They are also getting the addition of a 2,000 square foot visitor locker room and a 6,000 square foot weight room that will be utilized by all Spanish fort student athletes.
Head coach Chase Smith tells me, the $6 million dollar project should be completed sooner than you might think.
“I think a lot faster than we anticipated, which is exciting you know, depending on the weather or anything like that, it’ll be 14 months. We’ll have all of the structures up. The field will be completed by football season and all other construction will be completed in 14 months, so it’ll be here before you know it”
Playing at the Hill, well it’s a special place. It’s fun for the Toros but also fun for opposing teams as well. There is tradition here, tradition that this growing Spanish fort community is excited to build on.
They’re excited. You know, I’m excited as a coach. A lot of this is going to help us. You don’t have to worry about weather and paint and grass and all those types of things. Just to expand and have something nicer and more space and something state of the art, I know the kids are excited.”
Another stadium getting a bit of work done is the home of the Vikings. Mary G. Montgomery will also be getting a brand new turf field ahead of next season. It is a well deserved improvement after going undefeated during the regular season, getting their first playoff win in program history and all the way to the semi-finals.
On Friday August 30th, they will play their first home game on the new turf against reigning 5A state champion Gulf Shores who just made the jump to 6A.
Some other schools also set to play in their brand new football stadiums this fall are the Williamson Lions right here in Mobile and then the St. Michael Cardinals will take the field in their brand new stadium in Fairhope in August. We’ll keep you updated on all the improvements leading up to week 1.
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