News Summary
The Capistrano Unified School District has initiated construction on a new stadium at Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, with an estimated budget of $21.5 million. The new facility will increase bleacher capacity and feature modern amenities, including a press box, upgraded concession facilities, and a resurfaced track. With construction projected to complete by May 2026, this investment aims to enhance educational and athletic experiences for the community.
Mission Viejo, California – The Capistrano Unified School District has officially begun construction on a new stadium at Capistrano Valley High School, with an estimated cost of $21.5 million. This initiative is set to replace the school’s outdated stadium, which has already been torn down to make way for the new facility. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 28, marking the start of the construction project.
The new stadium will occupy approximately 6 acres on the northwestern side of the school’s 42-acre campus. Among its key features, the new facility will see an increase in bleacher capacity from 1,886 to 2,750 people, accommodating a larger audience for events. The home-side bleachers, located on the southern side, will expand from 1,312 to 2,000 seats and will include a state-of-the-art press box. The visitor bleachers on the northern side will increase in size from 574 to 750 seats.
Additional improvements will also be made as part of the project. The new stadium will feature a press box equipped with elevator access, upgraded concession and ticket booths, team rooms, and a weight room. Furthermore, the track will be newly resurfaced and striped, and the facility will include improved fencing along with a modern sound system.
The construction is projected to be completed by May 2026, positioning the new stadium to serve the school and its community effectively in the coming years.
Funding for the project was successfully secured through a combination of state matching funds and leftover redevelopment funds from the city of Mission Viejo. This financial planning does not involve seeking new bonds. An estimated $7.1 million has been allocated for expected state reimbursement connected with prior construction projects at Aliso Niguel High School and Newhart Middle School.
This funding is sourced from an old school financing district known as CFD 87-1, which was established in 1987 specifically to support school construction in parts of Aliso Viejo and Mission Viejo. Homeowners ceased contributions to this district in 2016 once the bonds were paid off ahead of schedule, leaving around $11 million available for enhancements to local school facilities.
Officials from the district have decided to channel these leftover funds toward various upgrades throughout the area, including the construction of the new stadium at Capistrano Valley High School. As part of the initial construction efforts, the installation of underground utilities has already commenced, setting the groundwork for future development of the stadium.
The Capistrano Valley High School stadium project represents a significant investment in the educational and extracurricular facilities of the community, aiming to enhance the experience for students and residents alike. This construction operation underscores the district’s commitment to providing modern and functional spaces for education and athletic events.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Capistrano Valley High Breaks Ground on New Stadium
- Wikipedia: Mission Viejo, California
- ASU Magazine: New Football Stadium in Mission Viejo
- Google Search: Capistrano Valley High School
- OC Sports Zone: High School Football Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- OC Register: Capistrano Valley Football Thrilling Finish
- Google Scholar: Capistrano Valley High School
- OC Sports Zone: Highlights of High School Football
- Google News: Capistrano Valley High School Football
