Work has begun on a Texas stadium that will memorialize those who died while on space missions aboard the Challenger and Columbia space shuttles.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held recently and included family members of the Challenger and Columbia crews, the Houston Chronicle reported. A video showing a three-dimensional rendering of the stadium can be found here.
"I hope it pleases you to know that this community has not only not forgotten your loved ones, but has chosen to meaningfully honor their memories in this way," Superintendent Greg Smith was quoted as saying in the Chronicle. "Our students of today and tomorrow will know their story and continued to be inspired by their legacy."
The complex, which will have nearly 10,000 seats, is expected to open by August 2015. In addition to athletic games and tournaments, the Clear Creek Independent School District plans to use the facility for graduation ceremonies, fine arts exhibits and other events.
The work is funded through a $367 million school bond that was approved last year.
