The Arlington ISD Board of Trustees last month approved the schematic design for the future Michael Glaspie Field Athletic Complex. This Bond 2019 project will renovate the existing practice field at Martin High School and convert it into the Arlington ISD’s third competition field.
The new athletic field at Martin was included in the 2019 Bond because the district needs three competition fields for its six high schools. Arlington ISD owns Wilemon Field at Sam Houston High School and Cravens Field at Lamar High School, but it rented UTA Maverick Stadium for its third competition field. However, Arlington ISD no longer has access to UTA Maverick Stadium and needs a replacement competition venue. The new field at Martin will provide that third varsity competition field and serve as the home for Martin and Seguin high schools.
The new stadium, being designed by VLK Architects, will include approximately 10,000 seats, a larger press box, locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. Architects are being careful to consider the campus’ existing layout, neighbors, traffic flow – cars, school buses and pedestrians – and parking in their design. They have included a landscape buffer between the stadium and neighboring homes and will utilize modern LED lighting. The LED lighting is significantly better than traditional lighting in that it can be directed into the stadium and onto the playing surface more efficiently, has considerably less spillage from the venue and can be turned on and off quickly.
“The district’s newest competition stadium incorporates the foundation of the existing Martin High School stadium with new and improved features to improve access throughout the site for students and the community,” says Kelly Horn, Arlington ISD executive director of plant services. “The larger venue allows the district to host larger events and accommodate larger district crowds with easier access to locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. Utilizing an existing site also reduces costs and time for construction.”
