Centennial Stadium Project Ribbon Cutting
Source/Author: Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing & Comm.
October 03, 2024
On Friday, September 20, the Shorecrest community gathered to cheer on the Chargers while celebrating the official ribbon cutting of the Centennial Stadium Project, a full renovation of Haskell Field and the surrounding athletics complex.
Prior to kickoff, droves of Chargers fans enjoyed dinner and treats from local food trucks while children played and posed for photos with Sparky, the Shorecrest Chargers' mascot. Fans in the packed stands cheered as special guests from the Pinellas Police Athletic League Drumline led the Chargers football team onto the field. The community quieted and stood for the National Anthem sung by Hannah C. '32.
At halftime, varsity cheerleaders, followed by the Middle School squad and Little Sparks, took the field for special performances. Sparky led Head of School Nancy Spencer to the 50-yard line for the ribbon cutting.
"This stadium, with its new turf field and dazzling lightning bolt at the 50-yard line, will serve as an anchor to the campus as a backdrop for so many community events. It speaks to our Mission of supporting physical well-being through PE and athletics and also provides opportunities to showcase Shorecrest’s impressive facilities," Ms. Spencer said.
Shorecrest Athletics Director, Anthony McCall, and Director of Advancement, Michael Gillis, joined Ms. Spencer for the ribbon cutting. Middle School football players Tripp R. '29 and Billy F. '29 and flag football players Sammy Beltran '25 and Maddie Needler '25 represented Shorecrest student-athletes on the field.
The Centennial Stadium Project fully reimagined the Shorecrest Chargers Athletics complex over the summer of 2024. The focal point within this project is the replacement of the former football field with a top-of-the-line, multi-sport turf field, which accommodates numerous sports including football, soccer, track & field, and - for the first time - girls and boys lacrosse. Circling the turf field is a new, rubberized track crowned by new LED lighting and a video scoreboard.
"As we stand here tonight I want to thank some key people, including SCG Fields, our construction partner, Coach Anthony McCall, Director of Facilities Marcus Holmes, Michael Gillis, and to our Trustees for sharing this vision that unites our campus," said Ms. Spencer. "And finally to you - as Chargers Fans, and Shorecrest Donors - who make projects like this one possible with every gift you make."
To end the evening, the Chargers defeated Lake Mary Prep 52-14.
