For years, the Lafayette Parish School Board looked for ways to bring in the funds for the stadium while also accommodating for other projects throughout the parish.

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- The new Southside High athletic stadium is set to be constructed in front of the school's baseball field. Lafayette Parish District 9 School Board Member Jeremy Hidalgo said it is a long time coming but is a much-needed addition.

"These kids have proven that not just athletically, but academically, they're among the best and so they deserve this and it's exciting to see it coming to fruition," Hidalgo said.

For years, the Lafayette Parish School Board looked for ways to bring in the funds for the stadium while also accommodating for other projects throughout the parish. According to the 2024 and 2025 budget, plans are in place for multiple parish school projects. Hidalgo said Francis Touchet Jr., the parish superintendent, moved funds from different projects to allocate $3.3 million to begin stage one for the stadium in the summer.

"He heard all of what our priorities were, and he didn't waste any time making things happen," Hidalgo said.

Phase one consists of laying down turf on the field and inserting a scoreboard and lights. Phase two would include the remainder of the project like bringing in extra parking areas, bathroom and concession facilities and more.

"In phase two is something that I guarantee you that the superintendent is working aggressively on to identify funding, whether we fund it directly or we bonded out," Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo said phase one is set to be completed by September of 2024, where junior varsity games and practices will be able to take place during the school year.

According to the self-funded construction fund, Southside's stadium is one of many projects in the parish receiving approved funds for the year. For example, Lafayette High is getting $2.1 million dollars for new turf and a scoreboard, and Comeaux High is getting new additions to their gymnasium.

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