It's a day to cheer as a large crowd gathered in Boardman Friday to mark the beginning of work on a nearly $4 million project that will boost Spartan pride.


The project will give Boardman a first-class facility with seating for nearly 7,000 people, an electronic digital scoreboard, visiting team locker room, concession stand and enclosed press box. This event marks the start of installation of the all-weather artificial turf, a first for Boardman. The driving force behind the campaign has been the Boardman Boosters.

"Just a tremendous feeling that we've accomplished one phase of what we're trying to do overall," said Boardman Boosters President Bill Bonte. 

The campaign has raised about 25% of it's goal which will cover the $750,000 cost for the turf installation. The new stadium means the Spartans will no longer has to pay thousands of dollars to travel one mile to play home games at the Middle School.

"Our band won't be packing up ten buses and a truck with equipment. The football team won't be getting on buses, they'll be in the varsity locker room and won't be dressing on the stage at Center Middle School," said Director of Operations Tim Saxton.

But the all-weather complex will benefit more than just football.

"The athletic teams will benefit, so will our band and orchestra. It's just an all-around tremendous project for the entire Boardman community," said Boardman Athletic Director Denise Gorski.

The turf installation begins Monday, and the stadium completion is set for September 2015.