SLO High School’s renovated stadium is nearly finished — here’s what it looks like so far
After more than a year of renovations, San Luis Obispo High School’s Holt Field is almost ready — and just in time to celebrate the Class of 2022.
Renovations for the stadium began in April 2021, and most of its structures were completely demolished in May 2021 to make space for the stadium’s updated facilities.
As of now, the stadium’s new bleachers and press box have been completed, said Chris Bonin, San Luis Coastal Unified School District’s director of facilities, operation, and transportation.
The all-weather surface track and new sod for the field have also been installed, along with a jumbo scoreboard screen, security fencing around the stadium and new LED and path lighting.
Additionally, the field’s discus and shotput area has been installed and completed.
Although Holt Field is not completely finished, SLO High’s 2022 graduation ceremony will take place in the stadium on Friday, following SLO High tradition. This will be the first event held in the renovated stadium, according to Assistant Principal Desiree Delinger.
What stadium work is left to be done?
With all these updates done, Holt Field is in the final stages of its reconstruction.
Currently, the concession stand is still in the process of being completed. Maino Construction is also working on the stadium’s plumbing, HVAC, electricity and paint finishes.
The synthetic track’s striping is set to be finished after graduation.
The renovated Holt Field is being built by Maino Construction, which had the lowest bid for the project at $8,079,000, according to Ryan Pinkerton, SLCUSD’s assistant superintendent.
The project to renovate SLO High’s track and field is part of SLCUSD’s Measure D plan, which aims to modernize SLO High and Morro Bay High, along with other upgrades throughout the district.
The main focus of Holt Field’s renovation is the new nine-lane synthetic track like that of other nearby high schools, such as Morro Bay and Atascadero
Prior to the project, SLO High had a six-lane dirt track, one of the last on the Central Coast, making it the only school in the area without a modernized track.
Once finished, the stadium is going to be one of the best for track and field on the Central Coast, said Adam Basch, SLO High’s cross country and track and field head coach.
Basch said the school plans to host the Mountain League championships and the CIF Central Section Division 2 track championships next year in May.
Bonin said Holt Field will be completed for all uses by the start of the new school year in August 2022.
