Benicia Unified School District (District) recently celebrated the completion of Benicia High School’s stadium renovation. In 2014, the residents of Benicia voted to approve a ballot initiative aimed at providing $49.6 million in bond funding for improvements at the District’s seven schools. One of the largest projects to be funded by the initiative was the renovation of Benicia High School’s (School) George Drolette Stadium, which was constructed in 1966. The Verde team was selected by the District to design the renovation for the stadium facility.

Utilizing a Lease-Leaseback delivery method, the Verde team designed a new stadium facility, including an eight-lane all-weather track, synthetic turf football and soccer field, home/visitor bleachers with 3,300 seats, and sports field stadium lighting for exciting night games. The renovated stadium also includes a new entry area to welcome spectators and guests, a concession and ticketing building, along with new buildings for restrooms, team rooms, and storage.

To honor the School’s traditions, the Verde team designed the track to provide access along the home side bleachers to accommodate the School’s homecoming float. Today, student athletes now play on a new synthetic turf field, with a cork infill. Other improvements to the site included upgraded utilities (for stormwater and sewer), a new PA system, and improved data connectivity.