Home football games at Newport’s football stadium will most likely have to wait until 2024.
The school announced on Wednesday that the completion of phase one on the renovated football stadium is being delayed and the finished product wouldn’t be ready until at least the end of October due to the construction schedule. The Wildcats last home regular season game was scheduled for October 13 against Bellevue.
“We wanted to get this word out to the public as soon as we learned of the delay,” said Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Tony Watts. “The company that will install our bleachers is currently installing new bleachers at Lloyd (Memorial) High School, and they are still working there. So that is going to put us two months behind and our stadium won’t likely be ready until the end of October.”
The first week of the KHSAA Class A football playoffs are scheduled for November 3, so if the Wildcats earn a postseason seed high enough to host a home game, there is potential for that.
“That’s what we are hoping for,” Watts said.
While phase one is underway, the program is currently practicing on the baseball field behind the high school and will play two slotted home games at Bellevue and Lloyd Memorial.
The $3 million phase one includes the demolition of the existing structure – which was built in 1937 –site preparation and the installation of new 1,500-seat bleachers.
Last season, The Wildcats were unable to play games on their home field after the stadium failed a building inspection.
Phase 2 of the renovation will be announced at a later date and will include construction of locker rooms, rest rooms, a concession stand and new field lighting.
The district is also seeking private donations through a fundraising effort. The Newport Education Foundation is now accepting donations to help pay for the renovation of Newport High School’s Wildcat Stadium.
The Foundation – with the support of the Newport Board of Education and Newport Independent Schools administration – is seeking to raise $1 million or more for the renovations project’s $5 million second phase, which includes construction of locker rooms, restrooms and a concession stand.
