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closePuyallup’s Sparks Stadium getting a facelift
City’s biggest athletic arena will look new and approved when sports begin this fall
Shaun Scott
Sparks Stadium is currently in the process of receiving much needed renovations that will transform the athletic facility into one of the crowning jewels of the Puget Sound region.
The Puyallup School District School Board approved a measure in December 2007 granting the implementation of new FieldTurf on the football/soccer field, refurbishing of the track, installation of a new sound system and the construction of a new scoreboard. The project is expected to be completed by the second week of August, before the start of fall sports practices. Work began on the project on June 2.
Puyallup School District Athletic Director Rick Wells said the entire scope of the project is estimated to cost between $1.4 and $1.6 million dollars. He is especially excited about the new FieldTurf slated to be installed on the main field.
“It’s been a two year process. We informed the school board that renovations were needed a few years ago. We’ve worked with all the football and soccer coaches and building athletic directors in the district to see what kind of surface we were looking for,” Wells said. “We toured a multitude of other facilities in the area. It was a collaboration of all the coaches in the district and the final choice was Field Turf. The durability of the stuff is evolutionary.”
The new FieldTurf will replace Astroturf that was installed in 1997. A new playing surface was long overdue, Wells said.
“Astroturf only has a 10 year life-span,” Wells said. “The fibers were decreasing and when that happens the threads get thinner and the seams begin to split. From the stands the astroturf looks great but when you get on the field the height of the turf was pretty small. It was losing its nap height. After years of wear and tear that tends to happen.”
When the renovations are complete, Wells said Sparks Stadium will become a sought after destination for postseason playoff games.
“The work that’s being done at Sparks is already starting a ripple effect. It’s going to help Sparks return to its glory days,” he said. “Next year Sparks is going to be hosting the SPSL 4A girls league soccer tournament and will be one of three host sites for the West Central District III girls soccer contests. There’s a good possibility Sparks will have an opportunity to host football playoff games for teams in the area as well. I know Pacific Lutheran University is elated about it. Their football team plays its home games here.”
Emerald Ridge Athletic Director Dell Dittus is thrilled a new playing surface is currently in the process of being installed at Sparks Stadium.
“When I heard that it was going to happen, I thought it was about time,” Dittus said. “It’s starting to lift up in spots. Technology has advanced so much over the past 10 years. With all of the new technology making the surface as natural as possible, I think putting in the brand new turf is a pretty good deal.”
Dittus believes this was something that had to be done sooner rather than later.
“Three high schools use the facility,” Dittus said. “There wasn’t much of another choice. It had to be done.”
Rogers High School Athletic Director Peter Collins agreed with Dittus’ assessment.
“I think it’s been long overdue,” Collins said. “I’m pretty excited about the new playing surface. It’s definitely needed and I think all of the schools in the area are looking forward to it.”