GUEST COMMENTARY
As I settle into my new hometown, I continue to learn about the rich traditions of this wonderful community. One of the first history lessons I learned was the rich history of BISD Stadium and the many student and community events held there.
Boerne Stadium: A Rich History
Since 1972, Boerne ISD Stadium has stood as a community cornerstone, bringing our community together to cheer on our students and celebrate achievements.
This year the Boerne Greyhounds celebrated 100 years of football. In the fall of 2008, the Champion Chargers were welcomed into the BISD family, kicking off a new era of traditions.
The countless homecoming ceremonies, soccer games, marching band festivals, track meets and graduation ceremonies are a true testament to our community’s commitment to our small-town values.
The stadium’s seating capacity of 4,000 has been well-utilized this season. Boerne and Champion high schools hosted successful homecoming games; ticket sales demonstrated the community’s enthusiastic support. BHS homecoming ticket sales reached an impressive 4,500, while the CHS homecoming game drew 4,300 tickets. These figures, which don’t include our dedicated band members or dance teams, speak volumes about the spirit and pride within our district.
The stadium embodies Boerne’s commitment to providing a place to gather and compete for generations. In 1987, the stadium underwent a historic transformation. For one dollar, the district acquired the original Trinity University WPA Stadium, that was already 47 years old. BISD invested $250,000 to transport and rebuild it at #1 Greyhound Lane. This acquisition doubled the capacity and moved the home side to its current location.
Safety and Modernization Over the years, Boerne ISD has prioritized safety and modernization at our stadium.
Beginning in 1993, our district commissioned annual structural inspections to maintain the integrity of the concrete seating and supporting the framework. These inspections, which continue 31 years and counting, allow us to identify areas that may need patching or stabilization, ensuring the safety of everyone who visits.
Boerne ISD’s proactive approach ensures our stadium meets the highest standards and remains a safe gathering space for students, families, and our community.
As part of the 2013 and 2016 bonds, the stadium underwent major renovations that included the construction of a new visitors’ field house, improvements to the press box, the current BHS band practice pad parking lot, and essential drainage and landscape work around the stadium.
Fast forward to 2023. With the community’s support of the 2022 bond, additional upgrades were completed to enhance the stadium’s functionality and appearance further. A third round of synthetic turf was installed. Thermal-cool pellets can now reduce field temperatures by up to 25 degrees.
These field improvements create additional practice areas for teams, enhancing aesthetic appeal and performance.
Additional improvements included new sidewalks and accessibility upgrades, pouring a new slab and installing new aluminum visitor-side bleachers, to replace the aging wood bleachers to accommodate the stadium’s fanbase.
These updates reflect our commitment to providing a safe, modern, and enjoyable experience for all who attend events at Boerne ISD Stadium.
Looking Forward
Boerne ISD remains dedicated to upholding our stadium as a safe, welcoming venue that meets the needs of our students and community.
With its rich history, our stadium has served us well; however, as Boerne continues to grow, so do the demands on our facilities. At 52 years old, the stadium is reaching the limits of its original structure, and a new stadium may soon be necessary to accommodate our growing community and enhance the experience for fans, students, and visitors alike.
Thank you to everyone who makes Boerne ISD Stadium a special part of our community.
Dr. Kristin Craft is Superintendent of the Boerne Independent School District.
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