Clearwater High plans renovation for 60-year-old stadium - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

For nearly 60 years, Clearwater High School's football stadium has been home-field to generations of young players.

Now Principal Keith Mastorides believes it's time for a facelift. " So what we're looking at is not only a stadium remodel,but for the whole athletic area,the gymnasium, classroom space, the field. The whole 9 yards we want to see re-done," said Mastorides.

The renderings show a grand entryway facing Gulf-to-Bay Blvd, new concessions and the county's first artificial turf field at a public school.

The cost is estimated at $9 - $12 million dollars. Most of it would have to come from private donations.

But the school district will chip in, because of a major sewage problem discovered last month in the field house under the bleachers. The whole building is off limits and port-O-lets line the field.

New Clearwater high football coach, Donnie Abraham is looking forward to the improvements." I think it would generate a lot of excitement going forth with the program. Does this guarantee wins? No it doesn't, but what it does do is give our students the resource they need to go to the next level to develop into great student athletes in college," said Abraham.

The school is also asking the city for funds because the stadium hosts Clearwater for Youth football games, band competitions and community events. "It's not just Clearwater High. It's for the community as a whole, and it needs and upgrading and updating and it's time," said Mastorides.

Once the school raises enough funds, it will begin with the new concessions building and turf field. The entire project could take 5-7 years to complete.