The Legacy Project launched last spring and created a clear vision for the future of Lebanon Athletics and a plan to enhance and grow Lebanon's outdoor facilities. Our athletic facilities not only provide a place for our student athletes to achieve the greatest athletic potential, but they represent the values and pride we have in our community. The first home football game of the 2024 season on August 23 marked the completion of Phase One of the project!

Updates at VanDeGrift Stadium 

• The new home bleachers at VanDeGrift Stadium now seat 3,085 fans. Plus, the home bleachers were updated to include handicap accessible ramps, seating, and handrails. A new, larger, pressbox was installed, too. 
  
  
• The vision for the stadium project began in 2007 when a group of local citizens formed a campaign named Onward Lebanon to raise funds for the original turf playing surface and dreams of new grandstands. At the August 23 home game, three members representing that campaign were present and honored for their vision and continued efforts over the past 17 years: former Superintendent Herb Gardner, Former Lebanon Coach and employee Jim VanDeGrift, and Spence Cropper. The Board of Education members who moved this project forward and provided support were also recognized August 23: current Board of Education Members Mike Lane, Roy MacCutcheon, Kim Cope, Jennifer Daulton, Mike Gliatti, and former board member Esther Larson.
  
  
• In addition, several local businesses and contractors provided in-kind donations to get the project over the goal line and they were recognized at the August game, including: Todd Carter of Lebanon Electric Supply for providing donations to the upgraded electric systems and Mike Gliatti of Express Delivery Solutions for providing shipping and craning donations that allowed the district to remove the previous pressbox for future use. Lebanon High School alumni and football player, Justin Perry, was recognized for his countless hours of labor and leadership through the process to improve the electrical infrastructure. 
  
  
• See project progress photos here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPfbsk9omyd5jN5ezK7r9q_DcjVDTFqxu6e8JNyhWO-ngvRumpujjxpPmzgvmpPvQ?key=eXczYllNT1FYTVhyXzlVVnYwU2I1ZWxWbGttM0d3

Updates at Lebanon High School

• Field and light upgrades and turf installation was completed at Lebanon HIgh School for soccer and lacrosse practice and competition.
  
  
• The excess dirt from the turf installation at the high school was used to create safe and level practice spaces.
  
  
• See project progress photos here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNtgFY0s-0XCHCK_MdavyBIuKPWTwbmDz65_gDCkppqwLRUJGtwEaMf3S1bniKvMA?key=NmFqbnNTM09FSkRfdFdKSmM1cDNxamRXQ3AtWDN3

A Home Field for Every Sport

Now that Phase One is completed, each team has a home field. The addition of the turf field at the high school will increase practice and competition space. The turf field at James VanDeGrift Stadium will remain the home for Warrior football and track & field and Lebanon High School is the new home for Warrior soccer and lacrosse. 

Future Phases Depend Upon Private Support

Funding for Phase One projects came from donations and from revenues gained by a 20-year renewal extension on a tax increment financing agreement with Miami Valley Gaming. The Legacy Project is not tied to a levy. Phase One was completed without needing to ask taxpayers for funding and without impacting the district’s general fund operating budgets. 

The next phases of the Legacy Project are dependent upon private donations. Future plans are exciting, and include more updates to James VanDeGrift Stadium, including new locker rooms, new visitor bleachers, an entry plaza, new concessions, and new restrooms. Further updates at Lebanon High School, also dependent upon private support, include a new field house, a permanent marching band tower, and improved grass practice fields. 

Learn more and get involved! 

https://www.lebanonlegacyproject.com/