During the past 43 years, fans have seen a lot of big-time football games from the home side of Tuttle Stadium at Union High School.
But on Thursday, they'll start tearing down the west side bleachers and press box to make way for a new $42-million complex on the home side, as well as fine arts facility for the marching band on the north end.
Superintendent Kirt Hartzler says the stadium, built in 1976, just doesn't have enough restrooms or handicapped access.
He says they studied the possibility of renovating the west side of the stadium but determined it wasn't feasible.
“Y'know, when you've grown as much as we have in the last 43 years, it was time to do something,” Hartzler said.
The east side will be refurbished but won't be a total demolition like the west side.
Union will play some home games at Tuttle Stadium during the upcoming fall season while construction is going on, by using the east and north bleachers for seating for fans.