The building to the right of press box will become the visitors' locker room

Changes coming to more than football stadium

By Michael Butler

Folks are already aware of the upgrades to come at J. E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium, but more improvements are planned. Those changes will include a new track at the Tallassee Elementary School.

"We're getting ready to bid an eight-lane track," said Tallassee City Schools Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin. "It will be a daily-use track for the elementary kids. The infield will be prepped for a full smorgasbord of discus, shot put and javelin."

The high school track and field program has been without a facility to host events for several years. The asphalt track around the football field is still used for practice.

"A base field with a set of restrooms is about $1.4 million," Nolin said of the proposed setup. "That includes quite a bit of dirt that has to be excavated. It's got a good base area. That was our best site. The state has some funds. We are allowed to use that fund source to do that."

Tallassee City Schools has about 100 acres for development, but much is not conducive for athletic facilities.

There are still no hard numbers on work to be done for the turfing project at O'Brien Stadium. The estimate is $2.5 million to add prescription grass on the practice and playing fields.

"All I have is the estimate," Nolin added.

The visiting team's locker room/concession stand has been removed. Opposing teams will use an existing building next to vistors' bleachers.

"I've got a company that will paint it and fix the soffit. It's been rewired," said Nolin. "We're not trying to build the Taj Mahal."

Adding the new turf to the practice field is slated to start in October. Work on the playing field will ensue after the conclusion of the 2024 football season.

Removing the visitors' locker room and concession stand