With the start of preseason football practice set to begin at week from Monday, the first phase of renovations at Gordon Wood Stadium, thanks to the passage of a $59 million bond in May 2023, is nearing completion.

The installation of a new artificial turf playing surface and new goalposts was completed earlier this month, and on Friday the new LED lights and light poles were set in place. Wiring was continuing Friday afternoon and adjusting the lights is still needed, but there should be no issues at the stadium as the Lions’ first action is slated for 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 with a home scrimmage against Argyle Liberty Christian.

The rest of the stadium renovations – ADA/code improvements (ramp access, aisles and stairs renovated for code compliance, ADA parking), new concessions and restrooms, home bleacher addition of 1,000 seats, and a new press box with elevator – will begin after the conclusion of the 2024 Lions’ football regular season.

Over at the baseball and softball fields, posts for the fences were set in place this week, and work continues at the softball field as it will be the first to receive a new artificial turf playing surface. Baseball will follow with a turf field, and both stadiums – along with the new parking lot and entrance from Magnolia Avenue – are expected to be completed in time for the regular season in February 2025.