SAPULPA — Less than a year after breaking ground, Sapulpa Public Schools held a grand opening Friday for the new Chieftain End Zone facility at George F. Collins Stadium. The new facility stands on the south side of the stadium.
The end zone building is part of the Chieftain Stronger bond issue passed by voters in the fall of 2023. Reed Architecture and Interiors of Sapulpa designed the facility, and Nabholz Construction Corporation managed the construction project.
The grand opening ceremony preceded Friday’s home game against McAlester. The event was attended by Sapulpa Chieftain Football varsity head coach Tim Holt Jr., his coaching team and Chieftain football alumni, including former players and coaches. Sapulpa High School administrators, district administrators and community members were also in attendance.
Superintendent Rob Armstrong, Assistant Superintendent Johnny Bilby, Athletic Director Michael Rose and Holt joined Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce President Janet Birnie and community leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the building and welcome the team to its new facility. Football alumni then joined game officials for the coin toss before kickoff.
The Chieftain End Zone facility provides Sapulpa’s growing football program with state-of-the-art, multifunctional locker rooms, coaching offices, team areas and an athletic training room. A large meeting room will host community and district gatherings. Digital displays and televisions are prominent throughout the locker room and meeting areas, allowing the team to review plays and plan game strategy. The video scoreboard was installed atop the new structure.
“The building that our kids now get to walk into is one of the best in the state,” Holt said. “They look forward to coming in here every day with fully functional resources to help us help them succeed. We want to thank the voters for helping us out and getting this passed. What we have in front of us is nothing but success. We appreciate everything we’ve been given, and we’re going to take full advantage of that.”
The Chieftain Stronger bond initiative also includes construction of a new Sapulpa High School campus, which is now well underway. Other Chieftain Athletics additions include an expansion of the Chieftain Center with auxiliary gyms for practices, competitions and school events, as well as a contemporary workout area and concession stand.
For more information about Sapulpa Public Schools and the Chieftain Stronger bond package, visit sapulpaps.org/Bond2023.