Today, City Park Conservancy (CPC), in collaboration with the New Orleans Saints, celebrated the completion of a new field and other improvements at Pan American Stadium with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial \u201ckickoff\u201d.<\/p>\n
The event took place at the 50-yard line with CPC and Saints representatives, local leaders and students. A special kickoff was performed by Eleanor McMain, showcasing the school\u2019s young talent and the athletes who benefit from the stadium\u2019s improvements.<\/p>\n
The highlight of this first phase of renovations is the installation of a synthetic turf which was generously donated by the New Orleans Saints after playing on it in the 2023 season. New goalposts and netting and a new PA system were also installed, and a scoreboard will complete Phase I renovations later this month.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis tremendous turf donation improves the field of play for all of the students and other athletes who call this field home,\u201d said Rebecca Dietz, President and CEO of City Park Conservancy. \u201cWe are beyond thankful to the New Orleans Saints for their incredible partnership, bringing the first phase of this important renovation project to life. All of these upgrades will provide a safer and more elevated experience for the athletes, sport enthusiasts and members of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In June, CPC and the City Park Improvement Association (CPIA) approved the $3.1 million dollar Pan Am renovation project. The project\u2019s plan consists of three phases, and funding is provided through a variety of sources, including the New Orleans Saints, as well as from FEMA funding and additional private donors. Phase I renovations total $1.2 million, including the donated turf valued at $486,000, and additional\u00a0upgrades, installations, disposal, the PA system, goal posts and scoreboards.<\/span><\/p>\n The stadium seats about 4,500 and can accommodate up to 5,000 people in general admission.<\/p>\n The stadium serves more than 30 high school, professional, and community football, lacrosse, rugby and soccer programs, including the New Orleans Jesters, a National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team, and\u00a0multiple adult Hispanic and Veterans soccer leagues who play weekly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe impact of sports on our community cannot be understated,\u201d said Senator Jimmy Harris, of Louisiana\u2019s 4th<\/sup>\u00a0Senate District. \u201cWith generous donations from valuable partners like the Saints, and with the Park\u2019s ongoing commitment to completing the entire Pan Am renovation project, these stadium improvements are going to improve the experience for athletes, spectators and everyone in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n Built in 1973, Pan Am Stadium underwent its last major renovations in 2008.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m elated to see this storied field get put to good use this season by the 10 home\u00a0high-school football teams at Pan Am,\u201d said Joe Giarrusso, District A Councilmember and CPIA Commissioner.\u202f\u201cOur players and guests deserve great facilities that match the level of play taking place in them. We\u2019re\u00a0grateful to the Park\u00a0and the Saints for making this happen in time for the season.\u201d<\/p>\n Work on Phase II is expected to begin next year and will involve new stadium lighting funded through FEMA resources resulting from Hurricane Ida impacts in 2021. Completion for Phase II is set for spring of 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cPan Am Stadium is an incredibly important recreational facility for many of our brilliant athletes and local sport enthusiasts,\u201d said Eugene Green, District D City Councilmember and CPIA Commissioner. \u201cI am thrilled to work with the City Park Conservancy and the New Orleans Saints on this significant community project and see these much-needed upgrades completed for this year\u2019s exciting football season, and I look forward to the next phase of renovations.\u201d<\/p>\n CPC is currently seeking additional funding from private donors for Phase III renovations, which will address bleacher repairs, locker room and bathroom renovations, press box and door repairs throughout the stadium, and parking improvements.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely grateful to City Park’s dedicated staff for their work and to the New Orleans Saints for their donation and support of high school sports,\u201d said Stephanie Hilferty, Louisiana State Representative District 94 and CPIA Commissioner. \u201cWith strong leadership and valuable community partnerships, we can successfully complete the rest of the stadium\u2019s renovations, creating a premier recreational facility for athletic excellence and community gatherings that will benefit the region\u2019s entire sports community.\u201d<\/p>\n The renovated Pan American Stadium is now open and hosting sporting events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"