“We are thrilled to embark on this journey of preserving our history while creating new opportunities for our students,” said Dayton school board president Chrisondra Goodwine. “The additional facilities will not only benefit our student athletes but will also serve as a beacon of pride for our entire community.”
School board members said the renovated stadium is anticipated to reopen next month, around the same time that football season starts. The stadium now has updated seating, including refurbished steps and new ramps for handicapped access, and a new field, press box and locker rooms, among other renovations.
The renovations so far have cost about $29 million. The district has paid for the renovations through a combination of federal COVID-19 relief money and settlement money from a lawsuit against the state that found DPS was underpaid for the state’s share of school funding.
In total, the stadium is anticipated to cost around $40 million. The district says the new stadium will be state-of–the-art.
Athletic facilities were the “Achille’s heel” of DPS’s athletics programs, said DPS athletic director Victoria Jones at a ribbon cutting in April. At the time, she said the kids would be excited about playing on a new field next fall.
Monetary donations can be made online through a secure donation portal at www.dps.k12.oh.us. Individuals can also text “WelcomeStadium” (one word) to 71777 to receive a link to donate.
A golf benefit is scheduled for Aug. 26, and a gala is scheduled for Nov. 4. Corporate sponsorships are also available and more information is on the school district’s website.
The district is now asking people to send in nominations for the Athletic Hall of Fame, by Aug. 5, through an online form.T he athlete must have been out of high school for at least 10 years, coaches must have at least five years of varsity coaching experience and have coached at DPS.
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