Replacement stadium revives school and community pride
Northridge Local Schools’ football field lagged behind those of other Licking County high schools. It lacked restroom/concession facilities, visitor bleachers had been condemned, and the old cinder track was unusable.
The new Viking Stadium, featuring artificial turf and an eight-lane track, strengthens community involvement and school spirit. It hosts not only football games but also soccer matches and marching band competitions. Even baseball and softball teams can practice there. The field and track also support physical education programs for kindergarteners through high schoolers.
The stadium’s 1,500 home seats and 750 visitor seats double the seating capacity of its predecessor. It also offers a 1,500-square-foot concessions and restroom building.
Regular meetings during design assembled stakeholders ranging from administrators and coaches to board members, boosters, and the IT director. The design-build construction process allowed quick revisions.
One challenge the team encountered was a mound filled with buried construction debris. The project angles the field around the mound, which transforms into a grass hill with views of the field.
The new Viking Stadium is a huge success from a community and athletics standpoint. More people are attending games, and our coaches appreciate the outcome of the project.
Britt Lewis, Treasurer/CFO, Northridge Local Schools
