As you may know, Raider Stadium has been going through some renovations on many aspects such as new bleachers, press boxes, scoreboards, etc. Not only are we undergoing renovations for Raider Stadium, but there are also more upcoming projects here at Pat-Med!
This process has been going on for a couple of months now and is still ongoing, but we are getting closer to the finish line, and we are expecting Raider Stadium to be done in 2 weeks! The bleachers are expected to be done this Friday.
Many different sports will be using these fields such as field hockey, soccer, football, lacrosse, flag football, etc. Most outdoor sports, besides softball, baseball, tennis, and golf, will be using these new and improved fields.
Mr. Anthony Cracco, the Athletic Director of Pat-Med, feels that the new field will help our athletes play more efficiently and effectively.
“Our athletes were playing on a subpar field, but now we will have less cancellations, more practice time, and more transition time during gym class,” said Cracco.
Not only will the field benefit Pat-Med athletes but also allow for new classes like sports media. Mr. Brunetti described sports media as all the graphics that go on televised live sports. The new scoreboard will help students learn how to work them.
“Provide a place to go outside and see the graphics on the scoreboard and test them out,” said Brunetti.
This field not only took a lot of labor, but also a lot of money was invested in this project. The amount was $10-15 million for all the three new upcoming projects here at Patchogue Medford!
These projects include the new athletic field, theatrical lighting, and sound, and the HVAC project. These new projects are part of the community approved bond, and you can learn more about it on the Patchogue-Medford website under the business and budgeting section under departments.
This bond is a great investment that many students in the district can receive help from, especially during extracurricular activities.
Although this project is almost completed, there were many bumps in the road when it came to consistency of completion on the delay due to blizzards, but regardless the team working on the stadium has made a tremendous effort by putting in a lot of vigorous work!
Mr. Frank Mazzie, the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, suggested many of these ideas for the bond allowing students more comfort in classrooms as well as sports taking place in Raider Stadium.
“There was debate on whether we need a new field and we have many organizations that practice on this field and also it can help with our community since everyone wants to use our space, which is also a payback to our community and students as well in multiple capacities, […] you don’t want to promise something you can’t deliver,” said Mazzie
Students here at Pat-Med also have been excited about the upcoming renovations of Raider Stadium, especially during the homecoming season and graduation.
Mary Agnes Marin, a junior here at Patchogue-Medford High School, feels that this change will help students be more involved when it comes to school events such as homecoming as well as football games.
“I think it will make people more social, and they could hang out with friends at football games,” said Marin.
Emily Rodas, a senior graduating from Pat-Med this year at Raider Stadium, is extremely excited about this and feels that it is about time we got a new stadium.
“It’s been time for an upgrade, I feel like it’s an impact in a good way like better opportunities for more outside pep rallies,” said Rodas
Adrianna Gentile, a freshman Pat-Med varsity flag football wide receiver and safety, feels that the bleachers are a great addition to the field, especially during football games.
“I am really excited for the homecoming season because the new bleachers don’t have cracks between them so you can’t drop your phone, so I feel like that is very helpful,” said Gentile.
Abigail Pepe, a freshman Pat-Med varsity girls lacrosse player. She enjoys playing games on the new turf with her teammates and looks forward to future seasons with them.
“I look forward to playing on the new turf with my teammates because there are so many great new features,” said Pepe.
Not only do staff and students receive help from Raider Stadium, but so does our Patchogue Medford community, such as parents when they come to support their children during a game, or even when residents within our towns come to support. Either way, this field will be filled with the support and success of many students and their families.
