Reconstructing Athletic Facilities

A look at capital improvement projects taking place around the nation

The most difficult task an athletic director can undertake is capital improvements. They are responsible for securing revenue, garnering public support and overseeing massive construction projects on top of their everyday duties of managing the sports department.

Despite those obstacles, athletic directors each year lead multimillion-dollar renovations of football stadiums, baseball fields and fieldhouses. It’s often an intimidating assignment, but with the help of school officials and construction managers, it’s a valuable learning experience that provides a new perspective on the importance of athletic facilities.

Several people interviewed during Coach And Athletic Director’s annual renovations issue discussed the importance of transparency, communication and intense planning to successfully navigate their way through complicated capital projects. The biggest factor is making sure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals. Whether it’s the school board or local chamber of commerce, athletic directors must unite a school and community to get the best results.

The following pages include summaries of capital improvements taking place around the nation as well as insight into how the projects were completed.

1. George Rogers Clark Middle/High School
   Hammond, Ind.
2. Joliet Township High School District 204
   Joliet, Ill.
3. Oxbridge Academy Of The Palm Beaches
   West Palm Beach, Fla.
4. Niagra Falls City School District
   Niagra Falls, N.Y.
5. Paine College
   Augusta, Ga.