Field of Dreams

Moses Lake starts renovation of Lions Field football, soccer facility

MOSES LAKE - Construction began on Monday for the type of facility that Moses Lake School District officials believe will keep them on the cutting edge of the region's high school athletic venues.

Thanks to last February's voter-approved school district bond sale, the district is drastically revamping Lions Field, which currently houses the high school varsity football and soccer games.

But after installation of high-tech, synthetic FieldTurf, and new bleachers, concessions and restrooms, the 3,000-seat stadium will be a year-round attraction for other groups.

"You have a quality playing surface for varsity contests, but now we can have middle school games, park and rec games," high school athletics director Loren Sandhop said. "As long as they're able to get on the field weather-wise, they can play multiple contests, they can have P.E. classes out here, and not have to worry about the maintenance of painting and trying to preserve the turf."

Crews had already begun ripping up a portion of the natural grass surface on Monday afternoon. Sandhop believed the first phase of the renovation, installing the FieldTurf, could be completed by April 1 - weather permitting.

"We're hoping the second half of the spring soccer season, we can play games here," Sandhop said.

The second phase, which includes new bleachers, restrooms and concession stands on the west side of the field, will begin in April and should be finished in time for the Chiefs' first football game this fall.

Sandhop also noted that a bigger, modernized press box will be built over the west bleachers - a big plus for the numerous radio and television crews that cover Chiefs football. New goalposts and soccer goals, as well as a new scoreboard, are also a possibility if additional funding can be obtained.

The renovation also includes a paved parking lot behind the west bleachers with a designated entrance and exit. Part of that area will remain grass.

The cost of the FieldTurf is estimated at $1.1 million. Estimates for the entire project aren't available because an architect hasn't yet been hired for phase two.

The new Lions Field will be on par with several other eastern Washington venues. High school stadiums in Kennewick, Pasco and Spokane have already laid down high-quality synthetic turf.

Sandhop believes the playing field will help Moses Lake attract future state and regional playoff games, and it will be available for a wide range of school district and community uses.

"We just feel like this is in the best interest of the community, not only for our kids but to draw in playoff games and revenue for the City of Moses Lake," he said. "We have such a great central location that being able to get playoff football and playoff soccer games here at the stadium is going to be realistic for Moses Lake."