![Aerial view of West Covina High School's Thyberg Stadium]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1537893215/wcusdorg/xcjga891hepjtdilnohx/2018WCHSThybergStadium.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1537893215/wcusdorg/xcjga891hepjtdilnohx/2018WCHSThybergStadium.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1537893215/wcusdorg/xcjga891hepjtdilnohx/2018WCHSThybergStadium.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1537893215/wcusdorg/xcjga891hepjtdilnohx/2018WCHSThybergStadium.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1537893215/wcusdorg/xcjga891hepjtdilnohx/2018WCHSThybergStadium.jpg","width":1600}])
The West Covina Unified School District (WCUSD) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the reopening of the West Covina High School Thyberg Stadium Friday, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony took place on the football field.
“The West Covina High School Thyberg Stadium was one of many on our list of Measure ES projects,” said Board President Michael Flowers. “In honor of this celebratory event, the district offered free entrance to the first football game played on the field since its closure last year. We are keeping our promise and will continue to work on enhancing WCUSD facilities throughout the year.”
The West Covina High School Thyberg stadium was featured in the district’s 2016 facilities master plan as part of a larger project funded by the General Obligation Bond Measure ES. The upgraded stadium features new bleachers to accommodate over 4,500 spectators; larger restrooms for the increased seating capacity; state of the art sound system; and renewed turf and rubberized track surface for the opening event.
“There was a lot of hard work invested in this project,” said Superintendent Charles Hinman. “We are proud of the end results and were happy to celebrate that moment with all students, parents, families and community members at the event.”
According to Dave Larkin, director III of facilities and capital projects, a new parking lot expansion under the existing solar structures will also be part of the project, but it will not begin until the winter.
“In a couple of weeks, we’ll begin to work on our next big projects such as the Edgewood Event Center and Aquatic Sports Complex,” he added.
Construction on the stadium began in April 2018 and has been a huge project for the school.
“Students have expressed pride and excitement about the stadium reopening since the first day of school,” said Ryan D’Errico, principal of West Covina High School. “We would like to thank the district, board, and community for their support on modernizing and improving our campus for our students.”
The West Covina High School athletics director, Brian Barnes, says he anticipates an increase in student interest for all sports.
“Having a newly upgraded facility will allow our students to strengthen their pride in our school and increase their interest for sports,” he said. “Athletics can be a very important avenue for all students. They learn about work ethic, comradery, teamwork, and the importance of their overall health and wellness.”
“I am very appreciative of our school board and district leadership for supporting the improvement of our entire campus, including the stadium, performing arts center, science/engineering building, and further upgrades. It is beyond evident that they care about our students and staff.”