Northridge nearing construction of new football stadium

On Dec 27, 2022

JOHNSTOWN — Current and future Northridge athletes received a holiday gift last week.

The Northridge School Board passed a resolution to support financing the construction of a new football stadium at the site of the current track west of the softball field using Permanent Improvement funds. Up to $6 million will be used to support the project, which was recommended by the Athletic Facility Master Plan Committee after its formation last summer.

The athletic boosters began an aggressive fundraising campaign in August 2021. Pledges have totaled $1.6 million with $1.4 million of that raised in cash, nearing the group toward its $2 million goal.

“We have received great support from the Northridge community to help us get this far in the fundraising efforts, but with the incredible commitment from the district this week, we are kicking it into full gear to reach our $2 million goal,” booster president Curt Booher said in a press release. “The booster officers would like to thank the school board and district leadership for the support during this campaign to build a facility our student-athletes can be proud of.”

The school board initially backed the boosters’ campaign in 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic halted planning. The project also has been slowed since fundraising began because of construction costs and debate over location and scope of the project.

The project is set to include a lighted field with a scoreboard, track, bleachers with a press box, restrooms and concessions.

“The generosity of this community has helped this dream come alive,” Superintendent Scott Schmidt said.

Robertson Construction is finalizing the design plan. Construction on the project could begin as soon as this spring if the remaining fundraising is completed.

For those who have not yet contributed to the campaign and are interested, contact Brian Elder at 740-739-7020 or Teri Holder 740-403-6593.