OAKFIELD, N.Y. – On Thursday morning, officials with the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District marked a significant milestone as they celebrated the start of construction on a new $23 million capital improvement project, with the focal point being a state-of-the-art football, soccer, and track stadium.

The new stadium will serve as a versatile facility for various athletic events, including football, soccer, and track and field competitions. It is set to become a central hub for the district’s sporting events and community gatherings, providing an upgraded space for students and residents alike.

Justin Staebell, president of the Oakfield-Alabama School Board, expressed his gratitude to the local community for their unwavering support of the project. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the residents of Alabama and Oakfield, as well as the Board of Education, for their steadfast support in making the groundbreaking of our new football, soccer, and track stadium a reality. This exciting new capital project will create enhanced opportunities for our students and community for years to come, and we couldn’t have reached this milestone without your dedication and collaboration. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our future!" Staebell said.

The $23 million project is a major part of the district’s capital improvements plan, which aims to modernize its facilities and improve resources for both students and the broader community. The new stadium is expected to serve not only as an athletic venue but also as a gathering space for various community events, providing an opportunity for school spirit and local engagement.

In addition to the stadium, the capital improvement project includes upgrades to other district facilities, including improved classrooms, infrastructure, and accessibility features. The district has long recognized the need for a new facility to replace the aging stadium, which has faced challenges in meeting the demands of modern sports.

Staebell also took a moment to thank the project’s partners, noting the valuable contributions from the architects and construction team. "Additionally, we extend a special thank you to our architects, SEI Design Group, for partnering with us on our second Capital Project over the past six years and to LeChase, our Project Construction Managers, for their hard work and dedication to OA in bringing this vision to life!"

As construction gets underway, the Oakfield-Alabama community is filled with anticipation for the new stadium’s completion, which is expected to provide enhanced athletic facilities for the district’s students and local sports teams. The project will also have a lasting impact on the school’s ability to host major regional events, further establishing Oakfield-Alabama as a hub for community and athletic activities.

Community leaders expressed excitement over the long-term benefits of the new stadium, including improved student-athlete performance, increased local tourism for sports events, and greater opportunities for youth and adult recreational programs. Many locals are hopeful that the project will bring further attention and resources to the district.

"We’re thrilled about the potential this stadium has not just for our athletes, but for everyone in the Oakfield-Alabama community," said Staebell. "This is a proud moment for our district and a tremendous investment in our future."

Originally reported by Staff Writer in The Batavian.