Upland, CA – The Upland Unified School District (UUSD) and the City of Upland today announced that renovation of the Upland High School Football stadium will begin in June with the installation of state-of-the-art playing surfaces and, ultimately, replacement of the facility’s decades-old bleachers.

The UUSD Board of Education this week approved the $1 million funding plan for the project’s first phase – replacement of the football field turf and track surface – and starting the bid process for the bleacher renovation.

Work will begin June 12, after the close of the current school year, and will be completed by the start of the fall football season. This will accommodate a previously scheduled police K9 training program at the stadium in early June. However, the tight construction window will force postponement of the city’s July 4^th fireworks show.

The renovation will be funded from the $2.675 million in redevelopment funds it has received through the years and which are limited to “facilities use.” This money cannot be used for salaries or any other non-facilities spending. Under the plan approved by the board, $629,893 will go toward the new AstroTurf field surface, while $379,435 will go toward the new track surface. The cost of the bleacher replacement will be determined once bids are received.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide these much-needed upgrades to our stadium on behalf of our student athletes and the community as a whole,” said Dr. Nancy Kelly, UUSD Superintendent. “Given the timing of our school year and athletic seasons, summer is really the only time we would be able to complete a project of this magnitude.”

Martin Thouvenell, Upland’s Acting City Manager, said the renovation will create significant community benefits for years to come.

“This is an investment in our city and our kids, and we applaud the school district for making this happen,” Thouvenell said. “The timing for a project such as this is never perfect, but the long-term benefits are too important to put aside.”