Newport High School in Newport, Ky., has begun renovating its 86-year-old football stadium by demolishing the existing bleachers.
The Northern Kentucky Tribune reports that the Newport Independent School District decided last year to overhaul the stadium after it failed an inspection and could no longer be used.
Last season, the high school played its games on the road and practiced at Holmes High School in Covington after the stadium failed a building inspection.
Newport district officials are hopeful the first phase of renovations will enable high school's football team to play two or more of its games at the stadium this coming season. Phase 1 of the project, estimated to cost $3 million, includes demolition of the existing structure, which was built in 1937, as well as site preparation and installation of new bleachers.
“After the demolition has been completed, we will begin the site preparation for the installation of the new 1,500-seat bleachers,” said Dennis Maines, the district's director of facilities and transportation. “Our goal for completion is generally late September or early October. Our first home game is scheduled for Sept. 22, and we are hoping we are advanced in our project timeline to keep that as a home game.”
Phase 2 of the renovation will be announced at a later date and will include construction of locker rooms, restrooms, a concession stand and new field lighting.
The district also plans to seek private donations through fundraising.
