Watervliet CSD New Athletic Facilities' Grand Opening on Friday

Watervliet, NY – On Friday, September 12, Watervliet's varsity football team will kick off its first home game of 2014 in a special way when it hosts Voorheesville under the lights on the high school's new turf field. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Prior to the game, at 6:20 p.m., student athletes will join Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lori Caplan and invited guests including Watervliet Mayor Michael Manning and Assemblyman John McDonald for a brief ceremony to mark the opening of the district’s new athletic complex. The facility features the artificial turf field, six-lane track, lighting, retaining walls and fencing, a press box, bleachers, concession area and restrooms. The first home game will be televised live on the Time Warner Sports channel and is in the running for WTEN ABC 10’s Game of the Week.
The athletic complex will host games, practices, scrimmages and track meets. As a multi-sport field—it is designed to accommodate football, soccer and lacrosse—the facility is expected to generate revenue through rental fees for use by non-district teams and other athletic organizations in the area. Revenues collected will be put toward the district’s general fund to support academic and other programs.
Watervliet residents approved the construction of the turf field and six-lane track in December 2011 as part of a larger $18.9 million project that included renovations to classrooms and other learning spaces in both school buildings; new seating, sound system, lighting and stage rigging in the high school auditorium; roof replacement at the elementary school; upgrades to the heating and ventilation systems and the installation of energy-efficient windows district-wide.
The school district utilized a combination of Qualified Construction Bonds and state building aid to have the facilities improvements done at no additional cost to local taxpayers.
Tickets to the Cannoneers’ Friday night game versus Voorheesville are $3 general admission and $1 for students. Come cheer on the team and check out the school district’s beautiful new athletic field under the lights. Go ‘Vliet!