By Sara Beth Williams–
Construction of the new state-of-the-art sports stadium is continuing at Mesa Verde High School.
Despite more than 40 impact days due to inclement weather throughout the winter and early spring, the new field now hosts new goal posts, foundations for stadium lighting and new turf has been laid, according to a March 2023 update on the San Juan district’s website. Framework for the box office and concession stand have also been constructed, along with new fencing.
A visit by Sentinel staff in early April showed the front parking lot and drop off section demolished and fenced off. The district plans to renovate the existing tennis courts and construct a new drop-off circle, along with additional student parking.
Completion of the stadium was originally predicted to occur in the summer of 2023, but weather-related schedule impacts have pushed the targeted completion date for the project back to late October or early November 2023.
“It will be a bummer not to have our first home game this upcoming season there,” Mesa Verde Head Varsity Football Coach Leonard Casillas said in an email to the Sentinel, adding that he hopes the stadium will be completed early enough for the Citrus Bowl, Mesa’s annual rivalry game against San Juan High School later this year.
The initial project design includes construction of a state-of-the-art sports stadium, with synthetic track and field, LED stadium lighting, new bleachers, press box, concession stand, and new restroom facilities. Also planned are the renovation of existing tennis courts, front parking lot, and other much-needed exterior site updates.
Groundbreaking for the construction of the new stadium and other additional renovations occurred on Aug. 30, 2022, and was attended by hundreds of students, staff, parents and community members.
Continued updates on progress, including photos of the construction, can be viewed on San Juan’s Signature Project facilities web page.