Crews are hard at work on the new Delmar Fieldhouse.
With the fall sports season fast approaching, here’s what you need to know about how HISD athletics facilities are being prepared:
The team at Delmar Stadium has been hard at work in the pre-season to get the facility in shape for fall football. Over the summer, the synthetic turf on the football field was replaced, much of the facility received new paint, and restrooms were renovated – including the installation of air conditioning and new stalls – making the stadium ready to host plenty of Friday night lights action this fall.
Delmar Fieldhouse also is making a strong showing this season. Despite a few hurdles out of the gate, the project is moving forward steadily with the erection of structural steel and masonry block walls in full swing. The project is expected to power through to a strong finish in the spring of 2016.
The seasoned Barnett Fieldhouse is showing many signs of improvement as the building has undergone substantial mechanical upgrades, received new ceiling tiles on the upper level and new light fixtures on the lower level. The restroom renovations are in progress, and the press box received minor renovations including new HVAC units and flooring.
Sports fans can expect to see Barnett Stadium in the starting lineup again this football season, but look for the facility to take some time off soon after to implement the next phase of its game plan: replacement of field lights, improvement of drainage issues and restroom and concession stand renovations. Barnett should be back up and running in time for spring training.
The Butler Fieldhouse team has not let up in the off-season, as the facility has undergone restroom and locker room renovations, had new speakers and lighting installed for the basketball court, and lighting and water fountains installed in the corridors.
We expect Butler Stadium to be football ready this fall with newly renovated public restrooms, new drinking fountains and a new concrete drive between the fieldhouse and baseball field. After the fall season, the next phase of Butler’s improvement plan will be to undergo additional renovations including replacement of field lights on the baseball field and renovations to the restrooms and concession stands.
“I am proud of our athletic programs and the important role they play in the lives of our students,” said Marmion Dambrino, HISD director of athletics. “We are looking forward to enjoying these new and renovated facilities for many years to come.”
Athletic facility improvements are funded by HISD’s $1.89 billion bond program, which also includes rebuilding or renovating 40 schools in the district.