Why do we need a new pressbox?

The existing pressbox has been perched atop Custer Stadium for 65 years. It is the worst in class 6A in the state, being far too small and outdated to properly serve the number of broadcasters, videographers, and coaches who normally pile into a pressbox in the modern age.

An example of how we could do better is Ponca City's new $1.4 million pressbox, which has similar features and square footage to what is planned in our 2019 bond issue.

Back when Custer Stadium was being designed in 1954, they planned for a larger pressbox.

Bartlesville's Lyon Foundation has graciously stepped forward to reduce the cost of a new pressbox for taxpayers. It will fund $400,000 of the pressbox's estimated cost of $1.2 million.

But instead, a small metal shed was built, with a dangling stairway. Some years ago the area around the stairway was enclosed to boost the shed's capacity.

The new pressbox would have an elevator, as now mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which would be configured to also serve the concession stand floor of Custer Stadium to make that easier to load. The new pressbox would have ample areas for broadcasters, videographers, and coaches. Small press restrooms and a small hospitality room would be included.

Track and tennis court improvements funded by the 2016 bond issue have allowed the high school to host tournaments to boost the local economy, and the new facility atop the stadium would allow us to finally host band contests.

It is past time for us to make this investment in Custer Stadium to provide what modern athletics and performing arts programs demand for a district of our size.