Noblesville Schools broke ground on a new community stadium that will host Noblesville High School (NHS) football, band, track and other activities. The facility, located off of Field Drive behind NHS, will provide 50% more seating than the current stadium and is expected to open for track in the spring of 2021, and for football and band in the fall of 2022.
“Our current facility was built in 1969 when Noblesville’s population was 12 percent of what it is today,” said Dr. David Mundy, associate superintendent for Noblesville Schools. “Demand for more space to accommodate our programs has continued to increase as we have grown to be one of the largest high schools in the state. I’m excited that after three years of study and planning, this expanded stadium is finally becoming a reality. We’re hoping it will provide an exciting experience for students and the entire community.”
A new build was found to be more-cost effective than adding on to the existing facility. The district will finance the approximately $14 million project through a bond (loan), with The Hagerman Group managing construction. Referendum dollars will not be used and the funding will not increase the tax rate. The bond being used to finance the stadium cannot be used to fund staff, programs or student needs, per state guidelines.
Highlights of the new stadium include:
- 50 percent more seating to provide needed space for fans and visitors
- Expanded concessions and restrooms
- On-site parking
- Part of high school campus to allow for safe access to the field
- Redesigned crowd flow to better monitor and manage large student groups
- Enhanced LED lighting
- Band director stand
- Locker rooms for home and away teams
- Up-to-date broadcast technology capabilities
- Practice fields
- Athletic training space
- Additional storage
The current facility, Beaver Materials Field at the Swanson Sports Complex, will remain a district facility to accommodate lacrosse, rugby, band competitions and other uses.
“With this addition to our comprehensive plan we’ll now have a home for all programs and a campus environment stretching from White River Elementary to Noblesville East Middle School,” Mundy added.
Currently under construction next to the new stadium is the Noblesville Schools Community Center (NSCC), which will house an alternative education program, adult education classes, community meetings, programming for 18-22-year-olds with special needs, and indoor team practice space. The NSCC is expected to be completed by January 2021. Like other ongoing district construction, it too will be funded through a bond with no referendum dollars or impact to the tax rate.
The district is extending a variety of stadium opportunities, including naming rights, and is currently seeking sponsorship partners. The sponsorship campaign offers supporters an opportunity to directly impact Noblesville Schools educational and athletic opportunities through this historic addition to the Noblesville community. Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about stadium sponsorship opportunities can contact the district’s marketing and communications department at (317) 773-3171 or adriann_young@nobl.k12.in.us.
