By Sara Beth Williams–
More than 40 days of rain have caused construction on the new stadium at Mesa Verde High School to be delayed, pushing back the estimated completion date from the original summer 2023 opening date.
San Juan Unified School District Director of Communication Raj Rai said in a statement to The Sentinel on March 14 that construction on the long-anticipated stadium at Mesa Verde has been delayed due to “weather-related schedule impacts.”
“Unfortunately, the rainy season has brought the Mesa Verde stadium construction up to 42 weather impact days so far,” Rai said, adding that completion would be delayed until late October to early November, 2023.
Sacramento County has seen a marked increase in rain this winter season from multiple “atmospheric rivers” and strong wind events, which have resulted in local flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines and leaking roofs.
The groundbreaking for the new state-of-the-art stadium at Mesa Verde took place on Aug. 30, 2022, and was attended by hundreds of school staff, students, alumni, local community members, and local media outlets. The signature project, which was funded through voter-approved bond Measure N, includes construction of a new stadium and track, tennis courts, and other external improvements.
“The excitement of seeing the progress of the field and knowing we’re finally getting a stadium is so exciting for us and the Citrus Heights community,” Mesa Verde Head Varsity Coach Leonard Casillas said in an email to the Sentinel. The Maverick’s football season begins on Aug. 25, 2023.