The new stadium is up and already being put to use. It took a full school year to build the first phase, from August 2016 to May 2017. It is a multistep process and soon, new developments to the stadium will be added on.

   There were rumors going around about new locker rooms being added under the bleachers, but that is not true. The only new parts left to be added are an entrance, a concession stand and restrooms.

   The stadium project is pricey, but most of the money was from community fundraising. The school district contributed $1,7000,000 for LHS and North’s new stadium complexes. After fund-raising, LHS got $2,357,500 to build seating, a press box, a ticket gate, an honor wall, a concession stand, restrooms and score boards. North received $2,582,500 for their stadium project.

   According to Athletic Director Jason Cahill, there was a yearlong campaign run by Niles Media. They sold naming rights and sponsorships, which is why there are so many sponsorship signs by the field.

There will be a Legacy Wall to recognize people who donated money.

   Freshman Dakota Ebright is very excited about not only how the new stadium will be an advancement for the school, but also how it will bring the community together.

   “I think that everyone will be more connected as a community,” Ebright said. “The games are going to be fun.”

   Since the new stadium is bigger, some students are wondering if school spirit will grow too.

“I love the new stadium,” senior Joe Barnes said. “I think it’s going to bring more school spirit because it is right in front of the school instead of being at a different school and I think students will come more often.”

   Cahill agreed, but added a historical perspective.

  “I think our student section has always been awesome. I think our games have always been well attended,” Cahille said.

    Junior Reggie Parks likes the new overall atmosphere at the stadium.      

   “I mean it’s pretty cool. Seeing the stands filled up makes the atmosphere better and more fun,” Parks said.