Aurora Public Schools ready to unveil upgraded 64-year-old Colorado stadium
Aurora Public Schools Stadium has been around since 1960 and it hosts high school and middle school events from football, lacrosse, soccer and track and field events.
Aurora Public School's Athletic Director, Casey Powell, wanted to make sure the 64-year-old stadium was in tip-top shape for the start of the school year. So he went to work spending $3 million from the Aurora Public Schools athletic budget and Aurora's Capital Funds for big projects.
"I've been in this district for 25 years now, this is the biggest project I've taken," Powell said. "I think it's worth every dollar and I think the community is going to love it."
Powell had realized the stadium needed help during a middle school track meet.
"The track was just failing. We had any moisture at all just slip. The texture was done," he said.
While he was taking care of the track, another problem popped up on the field turf.
"Our turf started, our seeds started coming apart. So, it turned from one project into two projects," he said.
Powell replaced both the track and field turf at the same time. The stands were also repainted and the locker rooms received a new coat of paint. Students from around the community chipped in.
The concession stands were also upgraded with new popcorn machines and menu boards. But, the crown jewel is the 20-by-30-foot video display that sits right at midfield and will face the stands.
"I thought the old scoreboard was in a weird spot. to be able to show the fan interaction content that we tried. But, now they can see it front and center, right in the middle of it. And, with the new sound system we have, this place is going to be banging. It's going to be awesome," he said.
The scoreboard will also show instant replays during games. This will be a welcomed new addition when the first sporting event rolls around on Aug. 17 and with the first high school football game on Aug. 29.
This is just another way Casey and his crew are inviting the Aurora community to revisit an old friend.
"I want it to be great for them. I want it to be great for their families. and I want to bring my own family here and make it a safe and great venue to come and watch high school and middle school athletics go on. I think it's spectacular," he said.
