McKinley’s new multi-million dollar softball stadium is ready for use, and a new football field ringed by an eight-lane track is next on the list.
The softball stadium, which had been delayed several times for various reasons, will host the OIA championship tournament in April as well as the early rounds of the state tournament in May, according to McKinley athletic director Bob Morikuni.
Plans are for the state Department of Education to break ground for the new football field and track on Feb. 23.
The softball stadium with lights and lots of bleacher seating is a big upgrade from the previous on-campus softball field the Tigers used.
With the state’s approval, McKinley’s softball team has been practicing on the new field for about a year and is set to host its home games there when the season starts in the spring.
The football field — which will have a Fieldturf surface — will replace the old football field, and will still be adjacent to Kapiolani Boulevard but moved closer to the Pensacola Street side of the school property.
According to Morikuni, McKinley’s football team will practice on the new field when it is completed, but it is not expected to host football games. There is room to build a stadium around the field, if funding permits in the future.
“Funding for an on-campus football stadium didn’t go through,” the athletic director said.
Morikuni expects the school to host soccer games on the new field.
The price tag for the football field and track is also in the millions of dollars. Morikuni did not have figures readily available.
He expects the work to take at least a year, but both should be ready before the fall of 2016 sports seasons.
“We are excited to be getting these brand-new things for our students,” Morikuni said. “They are excited and can’t wait to try it out.”
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