Voters in east Texas are being asked to approve a bond measure that will, in part, fund a $42 million project to replace Abe Martin Stadium for
Lufkin.
The stadium bond is part of two measures totaling more than $140 million. Early voting started this week with election day May 2. The measure needs a simple majority to pass.
Proposition B would fund construction of the new facility built on the same site and house about 8,500 fans — down from 10,500. Home seating would accommodate about 5,500.
Voters in May will decide on a $42 million bond that would replace Abe Martin Stadium with a state-of-the-art facility. (Courtesy of Lufkin ISD)
The build would also include a turf field, an eight-lane track, new locker rooms, a press box as well as a new scoreboard and sound system.
Former NFL wide receiver
Dez Bryant is Lufkin's most famous football alumni, graduating in 2007.
Multi-million dollar prep football palaces are not uncommon, especially in Texas. Last year,
Stephenville opened the $40 million Art Briles Stadium. Some other notable Lone Star State football stadiums include Legacy Stadium ($70 million) in
Katy, Eagle Stadium ($60 million) in
Allen and La Porte Stadium ($56 million) in
La Porte.
If both bonds pass, the district said it will likely cost the average Lufkin homeowner an additional $7.29 per month. Homeowners who are 65 and older will be exempt from a property tax increase.
The school's current stadium was built in 1973. It doesn't have an elevator to the press box, making it non-compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. Additionally, it lacks air conditioning, adequate bathroom facilities and smaller locker room sizes force visiting teams to have to dress in shifts, according to bond language.
