New Hornet Stadium made possible by voters
Oct. 4—It is Homecoming Week for Huntsville ISD and what better way to celebrate 2023 than to dedicate the new Hornet Stadium. The stadium opened Monday night for citizens, sponsors, and staff to tour and enjoy before Friday nights first home game.
But before making your way to the stadium, the traditional Homecoming parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. tonight, Oct. 5, through downtown Huntsville. The parade theme is Under the City Lights, and will begin on Sam Houston Avenue, at 19th Street.
Director of Communications Shannon Hollis was the Master of Ceremonies Monday night and encouraged fans to help pack the stands for the Hornets first true home field advantage game against Bryan Rudder at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
The opening ceremony of the dedication included the Military Marching Band, Grenadier Guard Drill Team, Hornet Cheerleaders and Buzzy.
"We are so very excited to be here to celebrate the dedication of this new stadium and to thank a number of people who had a hand in making it possible," Hollis said. "Obviously, this would not have happened without the overwhelming support of the Huntsville community and voters."
Hollis said the stadium has been a dream for so many for so long.
The athletics stadium will seat 3,800 fans for the home team and 2,700 on the visitor's side. It also includes a state-of-the-art field house, press box and operation facilities. Across a pedestrian bridge will be the baseball and softball complex in the near future, which will be built below ground level, due to the contour of the site. The baseball diamond will hold 824 spectators with 156 chair-back seats and below-ground level dugouts. The softball field will have a similar design with a 522 seating capacity. The three athletics projects account for $50 million and makeup nearly 40% of the total project budget.
Attending the dedication were Board of Trustees — JT Langley, Rissie Owens, Cathy Schweitzer, Dr. Karin Olson Williams, Secretary Ken Holland, Vice President Tracy Stoudt, and President Trey Wharton.
President Wharton spoke on behalf of the Board, saying "this facility is an honor for all former, current and future Hornets and its about time. Sting em Hornets."
Huntsville High School Principal Paul Trevino and Huntsville ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Rodney Southern were also recognized.
Dr. Scott Sheppard, HISD Superintendent, and his full cabinet attended the festivities.
"We still have some final touches to finish... but we couldn't let those details stand in the way of getting this place open so our Hornets can enjoy it this fall and football season," Dr. Sheppard said. "Friends and neighbors have always taken care of us. I will always remember when Madisonville stepped up and was our 'home' field. After a big win, the crowd began chanting, soft at first, growing louder and louder — 'We Want A Stadium'."
Dr. Sheppard added a special thank you to his wife, Donna Sheppard.
Hollis also thanked partners in construction and design from PBK Architects Inc., Durotech Inc., and Building4Champions Political Action Committee. Members of the PAC included BJ McMichael, University Heights Baptist Church and A Time 2 Read;
Holly McMichael, Director of A Time 2 Read; Michelle Spencer, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Walker County; and Ray Hernandez, President and CEO of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
"We are so appreciative to our media partners for all of their help and support throughout the bond process...before, during and after," Hollis said, mentioning KSAM, the Huntsville Item, and the Walker County Press.
Hollis said the district is grateful for the many community and business partners. The numerous volunteer hours, generous donations and sponsorships would not be possible without these valued partnerships.
"Their support is overwhelming and tonight we'd like to recognize and thank our first ever Huntsville ISD stadium sponsors," Hollis said.
The Platinum sponsor for the stadium was also named — Wiesner of Huntsville, represented by General Manager Clint McLaren. Gold sponsor were First National Bank of Huntsville. Silver sponsors were Walker County Federal Credit Union; Rockin' D Services; SCI Alarms; and PBK Sports. Refreshments were provided by Two Blondes & a Bakery.
Hollis also included thank you's to the Huntsville Education foundation, Promoting our Positives Committee, all the Booster Clubs, PTOs/PTAs, church and business partners, and many, many more.
"And of course to everyone who went to the polls to vote yes," Hollis said. "We thank you!"
As fans make their way to the new stadium on Friday night, take note that parking will be different from years past.
Parking map for Friday night
"We'd like to instruct home fans where they should park for the home games. Lot A & Lot B as the preferred home fan parking lots," Hollis said.
Due to some connectivity issues the district is experiencing this week with the point of sale system in the concession stands, fans should be prepared to purchase with cash just in case the credit card machines aren't working properly.
"Come help pack the stands to help make this the biggest homecoming Huntsville has ever had on their true home field," Hollis said.
All tickets are sold online via hornetnation.org — direct link is https://hornetnation.org/2023/09/21/tickets-online/
Contact Brenda Poe at editor@itemonline.com
