No sooner had the Porter Pirates wrapped up their football game on Friday, Nov. 3 that work began to prepare the stadium for future seasons. A late-night groundbreaking ceremony was held to make way for improvements approved by school district patrons.

Before the night was over, a “color bomb” ceremony was conducted by students, faculty and staff to say “goodbye” to the old field. Participants threw colored cornstarch into the air, which floated down into the natural grass turf.

The fun activity was a fundraiser for the Porter National Honor Society chapter, whose members will attend a leadership conference in Washington, D.C. in January.

Efforts to remove bleacher seating at the football field began on Monday, Nov. 13.

“We will end up having an artificial turf football field along with a six-lane track. Along with that, there will be a safe room that we’ll use as a classroom/locker room,” Superintendent Charles McMahan said. “The turf, track and concession/restrooms should be done by the first of August, but the safe room completion and opening will be at the mercy of inspectors.”

McMahan said the safe room will accommodate approximately 700 people. It will be used as a fieldhouse/classroom, and the top will remain open for possible expansion to include two additional classrooms.

Another project tied in with the stadium project is renovation to Otto “Toad” Walters Fieldhouse. The facility will receive new flooring during the process.

McMahan said the renovations are expected to be completed around the first of January. In the meantime, students who utilize the gym will be using the multi-purpose building.

“This project is for $5.5 million, so it’s a big deal!” the superintendent exclaimed.

 

Source:tulsaworld.com

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