Prestonwood Christian Academy celebrated the completion of their new field at Lions Stadium with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday night prior to the PCA Lions’ Season Home Opener versus IMG Academy of Bradenton, Florida.
 
Earlier this year, PCA's Board of Trustees and leadership adopted an improvement plan for Lions Stadium that included replacement of the artificial turf and competition track surfaces, both of which were part of the original stadium installation in 2003.  Fieldturf was selected as the new artificial turf provider, and Beynon was chosen as the new track surface provider.  Improvements to the field began in May 2014, and the track surface is scheduled for completion in early 2015.
 
“We want to say a special thank you to our Lord and to our donors for their provision and for helping to make the renovation of Lions Stadium a reality,” said Dr. Larry Taylor, Prestonwood Christian Academy’s Head of School.  “We are excited to continue the tradition of Lions’ championships on this new field!”
 
Joining Dr. Taylor on the new field to cut the ribbon were Dr. Jack Graham, Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church; PCA’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Chris Cunningham; Chairman of the PCA Board of Trustees, Tom Sherman; and other officials from the school and church.
 
Dr. Taylor presented a special piece of artwork to Pastor Graham, Coach Cunningham, and Mr. Sherman as a thank you for their commitment to the project.  The artwork included a rendering of what Lions Stadium will look like once the renovation is complete as well as a piece of the turf that had previously been in Lions Stadium since 2003 so that they could remember the many life lessons and godly character that were forged on the field.
 
Following the on-field ribbon cutting ceremony and presentation, PCA Alum Jarrod Monk ('04) sang the National Anthem while the PCA Pom Team presented the colors in the form of a giant American flag.
 
Lions Stadium was opened for play in 2003 and expanded in 2010 with a current capacity of more than 5,000 fans. The 2010 expansion included major upgrades to press box facilities, Gateway Plaza and surrounding areas. Lions Stadium is the home for varsity and sub-varsity football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field teams. Lions Stadium hosted its first football game on Sept. 19, 2003, and since then, five State Championship teams have played on the field: Varsity Football in 2005, 2009 and 2010, Girls Soccer in 2005 and Boys Soccer in 2010.

For more information, visit www.prestonwoodchristian.org/stadiumproject.