(Note: This is the fourth of seven installments of what’s “New for NJSD in 2014-15.” Each Wednesday during July and August, a feature will be posted with something new to look for during the upcoming school year.)
There’s still plenty of work to be done, but progress is being made on the upgrades to Rocket Stadium behind Neenah High School.
This fall, fans will see a new ticket booth and stadium entrance archway while enjoying a brand new sound system. A new track and visiting bleachers are also being installed as part of the first phases of a total project that will eventually cost over $1 million. The track will be completed in October, but the rest of this summer’s construction is expected to be complete in time for the first football game on August 22 against Kaukauna.
Eventually, improvements to the concession stand/restrooms building will be completed along with a new press box. The renovations are being done as fundraising for each phase of the project is completed. The booster club is planning to raise a total of about $750,000 for the entire project. Over $215,000 has been raised during the past year to get the project underway and the School District contributed the funding to replace the aging track and add the visiting bleachers.
A committee was formed two years ago among passionate Quarterback Club members, School District representatives and community individuals who recognized the need for the stadium upgrade. The committee has met regularly to determine the needs for the stadium and explore options for improvement. The school board has approved the primary phases of the project and given its consent for the booster club to begin fundraising.
“Rocket Stadium is a facility that is used for so much more than just football games and track meets,” said Neenah Director of Revenue Enhancement Jon Joch. “Wellness education classes and many other school and community events use the facility for nine months of the year. This project is one that really benefits everyone in Neenah.”
Two upcoming golf outings are being held with proceeds directly supporting the Rocket Stadium project. The Mayor’s Golf Outing on August 4 has designated Rocket Stadium as one of two beneficiaries and the Nick Dohr Memorial Golf Outing on August 9 will have all proceeds go toward the upgrade. Dohr, the former booster club president, was one of the visionaries of the project before passing away in 2012.
“People will see a different Rocket Stadium when they attend games this fall, but there is still a lot of work to be done,” Joch said. “We’re excited to get Rocket Stadium back among the best facilities in the Fox Valley.”
More information about the project, including Frequently Asked Questions and photos of the construction are available at pledgewithpride.com. Individuals may make contributions to the project online by credit card or through checks payable to the Neenah Quarterback Club Stadium Fund sent to Pledge With Pride, PO Box 213, Neenah, WI 54956.
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