GNADENHUTTEN (WJER) - Dozens of Indian Valley supports gathered where the new stadium is being constructed as officials took the first ceremonious shovelfuls of soil during the groundbreaking event Monday.

The 19-acre field where the stadium will stand has been razed, and crews will now begin laying the groundwork to try and finish the project by the start of next football season. Superintendent Ira Wentworth says they’ll be able to watch it slowly become a reality right from their high school.

“With the site being behind our softball field so far removed from our high school classrooms, there’s not going to be disruption to the day-to-day, except for that first week students will have to come in through that student parking lot off of Walnut Street,” he says.

The stadium is being paid for through a 2-mill, 28-year bond issue that will raise $7-million towards the facility. Athletic Director Nick Swaldo says they are already discussing the possibilities once the project is complete.

“Some of the other places have some nice set-ups, but I think ours is gonna be pretty special here. That complex is gonna benefit almost all of our athletes in one way, shape, or form. The band’s gonna have an opportunity to maybe host a band event and generate revenue for that as well. We’re just really excited to get it done and then try to make that happen for us,” he says.

Once finished, the complex will include an 8-lane track, new locker rooms, a weight-lifting facility and, of course, a brand new football field.

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