After just eight months of construction, major renovations to Kerrville ISD's Antler Stadium are complete. The improvements began in January 2014, after the district passed a $6.2 million, no tax increase, bond sale in May 2013. Coupled with $2.3 million from the district's fund balance, the bond sale allowed KISD to bring the stadium, built in 1971 up to date with federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX, which ensures equal access for females, while improving the overall safety and accessibility of the facilities.
Although Antler Stadium is thought of as primarily a football venue, the stadium is actually utilized year round by a minimum of eight football teams, three soccer teams, eight track and field groups, band, three cheerleader squads, dance team, color guard, JROTC, summer athletic camps and graduation. Additionally, outside groups including Little Olympics, YMCA, Relay for Life, Fields of Faith, and traveling sports teams utilize the stadium. The improvements to Antler Stadium will impact numerous groups, students, families, and visitors for many years to come.
The first goal of the stadium renovations was to address needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To satisfy requirements under ADA, the renovations added additional paved parking and handicap parking areas, additional handicap bathroom stalls for men and women, handrails and widened aisles in the stands and additional handicap seating areas on the home and visitor sides. The total number of parking spots at the stadium has grown from under 50 to more than 600. Although there will not be enough parking for a home football game, congestion will be greatly relieved and the parking will accommodate all other events held at the facility.
The second major focus of the renovation was to bring the stadium into compliance with federal law under Title IX. Title IX requires equal access for both male and female athletes. The old field house had no female locker room or shower area, no access to coaches and trainers without entry into the boy’s locker room, and limited female bathroom stalls. In the past, female athletes had to dress for their sport at the high school, bus to the stadium to practice, and then return to the high school to shower for class. The renovations added a large female locker room, shower areas and restrooms. Additionally, the females have access to the coaches and trainers without traveling past their male counterparts.
The renovations also addressed general safety concerns, including: regular standing water on the home-side bleachers, limited sidewalks throughout complex, substandard stadium and parking lot lighting, lack of a meeting room outside of the locker room and an over-crowded weight room. Other additions included site development, a new field event area and a homeside concession stand to alleviate over-crowding during half-time concession sales.
The Tivy High School Athletic Booster Club purchased a new scoreboard for the district. The scoreboard has a digital video board which will allow for the district to play advertisements, replays and other graphics during the game. The scoreboard is supported by sponsor advertisements and will generate one million dollars over ten years. All proceeds will go directly to the Booster Club to fund high school sports. Although not part of the renovation package, the scoreboard greatly enhances the crowd experience and KISD is grateful to the Booster Club for their ongoing support.
It is well documented that participation in school athletics and activities helps students excel in school. KISD is grateful to the Kerrville community for their support of the 2013 Bond Referendum, and for making the student athletes in Kerrville a priority. For more information on KISD, please visit our website at www.kerrvilleisd.net. We hope to see you at Antler Stadium this season! TFND!
