The design of Argyle High School’s new stadium and indoor activity center is nearing completion.
Marty Sims, principal of VLK Architects, a statewide firm with a history of designing schools and stadiums, presented updates on the project to the board of trustees at a Jan. 16 meeting. The district continued discussions after reviewing four options for the project during a special meeting Oct. 2.
The background
The project was included in the 2022 bond package as part of the district’s 10-year strategic growth plan. An estimate made Sept. 27 stated the total construction of both projects is expected to cost nearly $35.63 million.
The stadium will be located behind the AHS fieldhouse and the existing artificial turf field and track will be used for the new stadium, according to the district’s website. The indoor activity center on campus will be utilized by multiple teams and student groups that will no longer have to travel to the indoor facility at the US 377 campus.
The details
A parking lot will be built outside the home side of the stadium facade which is fitted with an awning and Argyle Eagles logos, Sims said. The stadium will be outfitted with a two story press box and mezzanine level on the first floor as well as three concession stands and restrooms.
The design Sims brought forth included 7,500 seats with a 70-30 split between the home and visitor side respectively. But the board is still deliberating the choice with some members advocating for a more intimate 6,000 seats. Should the board elect the smaller option, the sides of the stadium can be minimized, toilets and sinks removed from restrooms and the vacant space left over converted for storage, Sims said.
“I’m a proponent of starting out in the 6,000 range because I think we are not going to need 7,500 until we really reach a size of this district that is far out in the future and I think it will lend itself to a much more competitive experience,” trustee Josh Westrom said.
Additionally, the firm wanted the design to accommodate future expansion, should the district decide to one day increase the seating capacity to 9,000 or 10,000 as it grows, Sims said.
Bleachers and stadium seating would be constructed at a 16 inch vertical allowing for better visibility without becoming an arduous climb for the elderly or impaired, Sims said. The steeper angle and deeper run between the seats provides attendees more knee room.
More details
As part of the project, the district is building a new indoor activity center, similar in size and amenities to the existing one, he said. The design showcased a roofed facility with a 65 yard field, a small dressing area with showers, storage and restrooms and a stairway leading to a video purchase room. The center will also double as the visitor locker room.
The stadium could also feature an almost 60 foot wide video board situated at one of the end zones. The dynamic display will allow the school flexibility when arranging scores, tickers, advertisements and other video features, Sims said.
“We want to make sure we are providing Argyle the best bang for the buck and that it's a cost effective and appropriate solution, but also has the ability to do all the things that engage the kiddos,” Sims said.
Designers had to place the video board outside the stadium’s track that encircles the football field making it further away from the stands, Sims said. Given its placement, Westrom advocated for spending the money to get the board right.
“I've been in these stadiums where you got that little screen and you can't even really see it,” Westrom said.
What's next?
VLK brought the design for town approval last week and is submitting for the build site at the end of the month, Sims said. Following the site submission, the firm will work with town officials through the permitting process.
“They don’t review things concurrently,” he said. “You have to get one permit and then the next and we want to make sure we get all their needs met so there’s not questions as we’re making the submissions.”
The stadium and activity center are scheduled to be completed in August 2025, he said.
