A grand opening for Panther Stadium will be held during the soccer games against Harrison on Tuesday evening.
"It's the first event in the new stadium and we want everyone to come out and see what's going on," said Jody Wiggins, assistant superintendent for Siloam Springs School District.
While no formal ceremonies are planned for Tuesday, the stadium will be open for tours, including the press box, he said.
The soccer booster club is partnering with Arvest Bank to sell hamburgers, he said. A formal dedication ceremony will be held at the first home football game on Sept. 4.
Tuesday's games begin with a junior varsity boys game at 4 p.m., followed by a varsity boys at 6 p.m. and a varsity girls game at 7:30 p.m. The girls game is a matchup of defending 5A state champion Lady Goblins against the defending 6A champion Lady Panthers.
The stadium was built around the practice field at the high school. The facility seats nearly 4,000 people and includes a state-of-the-art press box and concession stand.
"We're certainly proud of it and we know the community will be, too," said athletic director Kevin Downing.
The stadium is substantially complete, Wiggins said. A few details, such as the front entrance gates and signage, will be added later.
Students have been training on the video board and sound system this week, Wiggins said.
"The kids are excited," Downing said. "We moved the boys and girls into the locker rooms (Wednesday). We're ready."
General News on 03/01/2015