Leander Stadiums Get Nod

The rapidly growing Leander Independent School District near Austin will spend about $40 million of voter-approved bond money to build two new stadiums and renovate the existing Bible Stadium.

The school board voted 5 to 2 to proceed with plans to upgrade restrooms, concession stands, and the press box at the 10,500-seat Bible Stadium, build a 10,000-seat regional stadium near Vista Ridge High School, and construct a 5,000-seat stadium at the district’s fifth high school.

The stadium financing was part of a $559 million bond package that voters approved in November.

A 28-person committee of coaches, parents, and community members preferred to build individual facilities at each high school, but the board rejected that proposal as impractical, based on transportation and growth patterns.

With current enrollment of 28,954 students, Leander is expected to enroll 58,618 by 2017 when it could need 22 new schools in addition to the current 30 campuses.

The new regional stadium is expected to cost $25.6 million, while renovations at Bible are expected to cost $8.2 million. The stadium at the new high school, which can be expanded to 7,000 seats if needed, will cost $6.2 million.

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