An estimated 3,000 people came out to support the Mules as they opened the 2016 football season on Friday, Aug. 19, with a dominant victory over Riverview Gardens at the new multi-sport stadium on the high school campus.

 

Preparations for the Mules Stadium opener were accelerated a couple weeks prior to the commencement of the school year in order to coincide with the schedules of competing high schools, which resumed classes earlier. The surrounding walking track should be completed next week, according to architects.

 

"While our athletic facilities serve as the front porch to campus, it is important to note this state-of-the-art stadium only makes up a fraction of our buildings plan, the completion of which will be celebrated with a series of ribbon cutting ceremonies in October," Roger Burton announced during a special recognition ceremony on the field prior to kickoff. "More than 200,000 square feet have been added to our classroom facilities across the district, impacting students grades 1 through 12 for generations to come."

 

The public is invited to attend a series of ribbon cutting ceremonies at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Middle School and 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at Senior High. Building tours will follow.

 

At halftime of the football game, the district also expressed its support for the community's first responders including law enforcement, firefighters and ambulance services. "Your work will always be appreciated in Mule country," the announcer recited.

 

Above: A small representation of school officials, professional planners, campaign volunteers and media partners who were instrumental in the 2014 passage of the levy and carrying out of the buildings plan were given a commemorative football by Athletic Director Kent Keith.

 

Below: Referees perform the first ever coin toss at Mules Stadium, which will double as a soccer field.

 

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