Louisville, Ky. - Trinity High School announced that a new athletic stadium will be constructed and open in time for the 2005-06 school year. School President Dr. Rob Mullen reported, “We have met the first stage of our fund raising goals. While we have more fund raising to complete, this decision allows us to break ground in December and have the stadium ready for next fall. This project is an exciting addition to our campus. It is the final step in an $18 million, 10-year campus master plan that has seen the construction of four new buildings, renovation of every existing building and acquisition of nearby property.”

Mullen went on say, “Our academic facilities are modern, sophisticated and a model for what a 21st century high school should be. We took care of “first things first” – that being our academic facilities. Now our attention can turn to improving our athletic venues. This is reminiscent of what happened at Notre Dame not so long ago. Fr. Hesburgh said that construction of a new athletic facility would only come after a new library was built. They followed this plan. They took care of “first things first.” So it is at Trinity High School.”

The stadium’s cost will be covered by donated services and materials and through fund raising. Tuition dollars will not be used in the project. “We are so fortunate to have supporters who believe in our mission and want to make this project happen,” said Mullen. Gifts to the stadium project began to be collected in August. “At the current pace we anticipate fund raising to be completed before the stadium opens. We will not use tuition dollars to build this stadium.”

The new stadium will be built on the grounds of the existing one. It will feature new stands for the home and visitor sides of the stadium. There will be new concession stands and restrooms. Both sides of the stadium will have press boxes. A new scoreboard, lights and sound system will also be installed. New fencing and extensive landscaping will be added. As part of the project the school will add more parking spaces. Director of Athletics Dennis Lampley said, “Just like the upgrades we have made to our classrooms, computer labs and science labs, this project will be first class, nothing extravagant, but still of high quality. The end product will serve our students and fans for many years to come. We have carefully designed this project. We know it is a wise investment.”

The stadium will feature a permanent playing surface similar to the ones being installed at colleges and professional stadiums across the country. “Having the permanent surface is a key part of this project” according to Lampley. “Besides saving nearly $40,000 annually in maintenance of the grass field, this new surface will have the necessary durability for our needs. Physical education classes, intramurals, football, soccer and lacrosse teams will all be able to use the stadium without us worrying about wear and tear. These new surfaces are specifically designed for venues that have extensive use. Additionally, we will be able to take some land that is devoted to football practice and create venues for tennis and track. The impact of this project on our school’s mission is significant.”