The new Jay Stadium had its official groundbreaking today. Many people were on hand to put the shovel to dirt, including Tim Andrew of Miron Construction, MHS Principal Shannon Murray, major donors the Bierman Family Foundation and MAPS maintenance supervisor Dale Bergman.

Construction is already well underway with most of the grass in and around the field already removed. The field will be replaced with an artificial turf called “Sprinturf” that should reduce overall maintenance costs for the field. In addition to football and track, the field will also be available for soccer games for added flexibility.

Other facilities being built include improved bleachers, both for home and guests, improved concession stands and other structures built under the bleachers, paved walkways and improved, beautified landscaping.

Initially built in 1970, the idea for a new stadium was brought up about two years ago. Since then, the community has helped raise about three million dollars for the stadium. It will be formally unveiled on this year’s homecoming, but it will be open for varsity football home games starting on August 26.