$15 million in athletic upgrades advance at Fitch
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AUSTINTOWN -- School district officials say major improvements to Austintown Fitch Falcon Stadium are on track to be unveiled by the time the next football season kicks off.
Fans already are enjoying the brand-new bleachers and press box this year, and construction has begun on the new 8,000-square foot facilities underneath them.
The facilities will include men's and women's restrooms at each end of the bleachers as well as a family restroom, locker rooms for boys and girls soccer and the baseball and softball teams, equipment storage space and an elevator.
"I think it's a nice upgrade from what we've had in years past for our fans and spectators," Austintown Schools Director of Operations Matt Bostian said. "The bathroom facilities will be very nice, and the locker rooms are something those teams can really enjoy, and that are intended for their use, as opposed to what they've had."
Bostian said the foundations have been laid and underground plumbing and electrical components were being installed last week. He said the cement pads for the flooring will be poured once the mechanicals are completed.
The block for the elevator shaft also will go up during that time. The elevator will allow handicapped people to reach the new handicap seating at the top of the bleachers.
"We should be good for next year; that way those fans can enjoy a different view," Bostian said.
The bleachers cost $2.4 million, and the overall improvements will cost $15 million.
In addition to the bleachers and facilities below them, that amount also covers the cost of a 40,000-square-foot indoor athletic facility on the north side of Fitch High School.
That parking area is closed off with construction fencing, and Bostian said excavation work will begin as soon as state and local permits are properly secured. Bostian said there is no set date for that facility's completion.
While these capital improvements represent a major expenditure, Treasurer Blaise Karlovic said Austintown has managed the costs responsibly, saving roughly $3 million by scaling back on fixtures and material costs. He also said a capital campaign to enhance the indoor facility is underway, but the district is waiting to see how the campaign develops before making any decisions on what specific enhancements will be included.