Chapin High School’s new press box is now open. The renovated press box was two years in the making and now includes renovated concession stand, media viewing area and new turf on the field.
The new press box, with a cost of $8.5 million and stands 62-feet tall and is considered the tallest building in Chapin. Construction started in November of 2022 and was finished in August 2024. Toward the top at the side facing the field, an eagle claw sign can be seen glowing in the evening and at night. Just outside of the new press box building, is a new seating area for Eagle Club members. Membership opportunities consist of the Legendary pass, Family pass, Couple pass, and the Student pass.
Within the building itself, are three functioning floors. Starting at the ground level there is a new spirit store and concession stand. The upper floors include: media rooms for running the scoreboard, internet broadcasting of sporting events, and places for news media to view the game. The very top level is an outdoor area that includes an observation/viewing area of the field. The Nest level, just below the media level, has space for catering and an additional level that includes a multipurpose room.
Students from every grade have seen the new facility and really enjoy the newer and cleaner building.
“I really liked the new renovations. I thought they suited the school a lot better, especially because of the large number of students at Chapin,” said Zlata Putintseva, 11th grader at Chapin High School Zlata, along with other students, also mentioned how much cleaner and classier the new enhancements look.
Hayden Sanders, a senior, said her favorite new addition are the bathrooms, which are cleaner looking and includes better air-conditioning.
Others mentioned the new addition of the Eagle shop, where students and parents can purchase Chapin Eagles merchandise.
Camden Mcleod, Junior, “It looks very nice and it has a good design.” However, he also said he believes people waiting to go into the Eagle store can sometimes make it hard to get through the area.
Although several students had things to say regarding the new field and press box, several teachers and administrators, including Chapin High Principal, Ed Davis have been impressed with the changes.
Mrs Moseley, CHS Career Center specialist said, “I think its very impressive, I have heard from someone, that its new innovations are similar to the set up in ESPN.”
Mr. Davis said, “I think its going to help us out athletically, its something that’s going to help us with facility and staff, its something that is going to help our community.” He also said he believes the overall innovations will help bring together everyone for several events such as football games and meetings for teachers.
