LEWISTOWN -- The opening of the Huskies Multi-Sports Stadium Project might be a year in the making, but there are definitely signs of the facilities taking shape.

The framework of the visiting bleachers is up and work on the support structure of the ticket booth and concession stand is well underway at Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium.

The completion date of Dec. 31, 2024, for the stadium has been established. That means the Husky football team will be playing its last season at venerable Mitchell Field in Lewistown before coming to its new confines for the 2025 season.

Athletic teams for the 2025 campaign will be the first to use the new facilities.

"It is very impressive to see how much progress is being made each week on the Multi-Sports Stadium Project," Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner said.

While school officials and project organizers said these are exciting times for Mifflin County High School athletes and the community at-large, there is still work to be done.

"This project got underway in 2021 and to see this dream become reality for Mifflin County is very special," said Joel Diamond of the Mifflin County Stadium Project Committee. "We are entering our final phase of the project, and it's now your opportunity to show support and leave your mark forever on Donald M. Chapman III Stadium."

Buy a brick

Diamond and committee member and business owner John Pannizzo hope the community will support the project by taking advantage of the opportunity to have their names engraved into history and in the new stadium.

A limited number of personalized 4-inch by 8-inch bricks are for sale whereby supporters can buy one and stake their claim on this generational event. Each brick comes with three engraved lines of up to 18 spaces per line.

The committee members agree supporters can imagine walking into the new facility in 2025, how proud they will feel, and the fun of locating their brick and posing for photos.

The bricks will be priced at $250; however, as an incentive to participate for the first 1,000 bricks ordered the price has been lowered to $200 per brick.

Join the $1,000 Club

The committee is currently closing in on the $4.2 million mark for its $4.5 million goal. If you would like to donate $1,000 or more, contact Diamond or Pannizzo and they can explain how the $1,000 Club works.

Club members will receive a special bronze plaque in the stadium, which lists the names of those contributing to the project.

Take the stadium challenge

To get across the fundraising finish line, it has secured anonymous donors who have issued a challenge to the community.

These donors have agreed to match dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 for every donation made to the project.

"So, not only do you get a brick in Donald M. Chapman III Stadium, but your $200 donation automatically turns into $400 thanks to our donors," Pannizzo explained. "It's a true win-win situation for everyone, especially all the future students and fans that will pour into the venue for future graduations and extra-curricular activities."

Brick by brick, Diamond and Pannizzo said they hope the fundraiser project will finish strong and not leave any potential funds on the table. They also hope supporters will spread the word about the opportunity to buy a brick.

For more information visit www.mcstadiumproject.com.