The McKinney (Texas) school district's $70 million stadium, one of the most expensive high school facilities in the nation, is ready for its first football game on Thursday.
KDFW-TV reports that the facility has a synthetic turf field, seating for 12,000 spectators, new locker rooms and a state-of-the-art broadcast booth that students will run.
District officials had concerns the opening might be delayed after cracks were discovered earlier this year in parts of the stadium’s concrete, but they determined that the cracks were not a safety issue.
“I can assure you none of these issues are structural in nature,” says Superintendent Rick McDaniel.
McKinney Athletic Director Shawn Pratt gave a tour of the stadium on Wednesday.
“When the kids come out on this field and you see their expression, it's made this project well, well worth it,” Pratt says.
Funding for the stadium was approved by voters in a 2016 bond election.
Three games in three days will inaugurate the stadium.
