Stadium Options for Spokane Public Schools
Stadium Options Considered: Renovate Joe Albi Stadium for high school events Acquire property and build a new stadium in a new location Upgrade five high schools into mini-stadiums to include lighting, artificial turf, added seating capacity, etc.
Existing Joe Albi Stadium
Existing Joe Albi Stadium Current Conditions
Existing SPS High School Fields
Renovated Joe Albi Stadium
Renovated Joe Albi Stadium Pros Existing site compatible with use Neighborhood support 6000 seats- flexible size Full concessions with revenue for schools Dedicated locker rooms with team changing spaces Ample parking Neutral location Not duplicating facilities or M&O costs Maintains history of Joe Albi Close proximity to Merkel allows for future flexibility and regional events Spokane Sports Commission recognizes this as a good site for regional events Cons Travel distance from certain high schools in the School District Not centralized to GSL schools
New Stadium New Location
New Stadium New Location Pros New facility- start with a clean slate 6000 seats- flexible size Full concessions with revenue for schools Dedicated locker rooms with team changing spaces Ample parking Neutral location, a new site may be found to be more convenient to all GSL schools Not duplicating facilities or M&O costs Spokane Sports Commission recognizes this as a good option for regional events Cons Unknowns of acquiring/availability of a site Potential impacts on neighborhood where new stadium is located Some sites do not have exiting infrastructure: roads, utilities, etc. Initial cost and long term cost of ownership is greater than Albi option
Enhanced High School Fields - Option 1
Enhanced High School Fields - Option 1 Pros All fields receive artificial turf Two sites are larger to handle larger events Lights extend the use of the facility into the evening Full concessions with revenue for schools Cons Initial capital cost and long term cost of ownership is greater than a single stadium Concern about neighborhood impact issues: traffic, parking, lights Permitting challenges, possibility of not being able to light all of the fields due to zoning regulations Inequity in seating counts, amenities, parking, etc. Fewer amenities than a single stadium solution Scheduling conflicts of using two main regional sites Infrastructure: expensive to improve all sites M&O costs more for 5 stadiums versus one stadium Potential only two schools have a true home field Cultural shift of playing games at two regional sites May not enough capacity for all regular GSL or playoff games
Enhanced High School Fields Option 2
Enhanced High School Fields - Option 2 Pros All fields receive artificial turf Perceived equity, all sites have home field Lights extend the use of the facility into the evening Full concessions with revenue for schools Cons Initial capital cost and long term cost of ownership is greater than a single stadium Concern about neighborhood impact issues: traffic, parking, lights Permitting challenges, possibility of not being able to light all of the fields due to zoning regulations Fewer amenities than a single stadium solution Infrastructure: expensive to improve all site Impacts on other high school facilities and playing fields M&O costs more for 5 stadiums versus one stadium It is difficult at some sites to provide good seating May need to rent a facility for playoff games
Summary
RECAP- Stadium Options Considered: Renovate Joe Albi Stadium for High School Events Acquire property and build a new stadium in a new location Upgrade five high schools into mini-stadiums to include lighting, artificial turf, added seating capacity, etc.
Survey Conducted Spring 2013: Presentation made to all 5 SPS High Schools and Student Leadership Council Presented at 4 effected Neighborhood Councils: Comstock, Northwest, Hillyard and Southgate 214 responses received
Survey Results: 79% preferred a single-stadium option rather than renovating all 5 high schools 96% preferred purchasing Joe Albi Stadium 87% were in favor of downsizing Albi as low as 6000 seats 81% preferred the least costly option 92% indicated that the stadium should be on the 2015 bond 53% did not want lighting added to high school football fields
Next Steps: Continue with public input process Compile survey results and make recommendations to Bond Planning Team Bond Planning Team to study options and make recommendations to School Board by June 2014 School Board to determine project list by December 2014 Bond and Levy election February 2015