Photo by Josh Looney
The new athletic complex still under construction includes the field house and Marcal Paper Multisport Field.

LEWISTOWN — There have been many memorable moments at the legendary Mitchell Field. However, it is time to say goodbye. The Mifflin County School District will be leaving Mitchell Field behind and building a new stadium by the name of Kish Bank Field and Donald Chapman III Stadium. The new stadium will be located directly in front of the Mifflin County High School which used to be home to the track, and an additional field is being built at the old Highland Park campus.

The seating capacity at the new field will be 4,500 seats at the stadium and 500 seats at the multi-sports field. The stadium will have 67 parking spaces as well as an additional 103 parking spots at Highland Park. Even more parking will be located at the MCJHS and MCHS lots. The location was chosen by an approving vote of the Mifflin County Multi-Sports Facilities after a feasibility study was completed by the school board.

According to Athletic Director, Ms. Tish Maclay, all varsity events at the new stadium will most likely have admission fees. However, the price of admission fee is up to the MCSD school board.

Concession sales at the new stadium will continue to be run by the Husky Club and MCHS Band Boosters. There is no current pricing listed for any of the products being sold at the concession stands in the new stadium but will likely remain the same as they were at Mitchell Field.

A noticeable difference will be the changing in playing surface for the athletes. The new fields will have artificial turf instead of traditional grass. The new turf will provide a consistent surface which can be beneficial to reduce the number of injuries that occur.

Additionally, new technology will be utilized to help track injury data. Maclay also added that there will be new equipment purchased for practice and games on turf.

Progress on the project has been moving steadily. Over the summer, the good weather made it possible to keep the construction process moving forward.

The district is using a $3 million grant from the state to pay for part of the project, and one of the requirements of the grant is that the buildings must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024. Currently, the project is on pace to be finished by the completion date requirement.

While construction has been going well, there still have been many challenges faced along the way. Such setbacks include the support system for the home bleachers at the Donald Chapman III Stadium had to be redesigned, the installation of the home bleachers was also postponed until the redesigned plans were developed and permits were approved, and a retaining wall at the Marcal Paper Field had to be removed, redesigned and reconstructed. The retaining wall is still waiting to be reconstructed but is being delayed by the construction of the new track.

The director of building and grounds and the supervisor of the project were on the building sites almost every day overseeing construction.

The scope of the project has also affected district operations in various ways. Adjustments have been made for students walking back and forth from MCJHS and MCHS as well as changes needing to be made regarding the parking at MCHS. MCHS band practice as well as most of the MCHS sports practices also had to be relocated to different practice facilities during the construction process.

Many people are ready to see the finished project as it will greatly benefit all the students of the Mifflin County School District as well as the entire Mifflin County community.

“I am most excited to see student-athletes, band members, and the community be able to practice and compete in a facility that will provide a safer environment and help to bridge the gap between our opponents that have turf,” said Maclay. “The completion will be the embodiment of all those who helped contribute to the project and provided support.”

Superintendent Mr. Varner concurred, “The new stadium is going to be a huge improvement and a new place for many to enjoy. I am optimistic about what the project will mean to all the current and future members in the district, Mifflin County residents, and local industries and businesses.”