With construction of the long-awaited stadium scheduled to begin next summer, San Juan district officials will start the process with a community forum in the large gym on Oct. 13.
Earlier this month the district informed Athletic Director William Taylor about the plan to prioritize the Rio stadium, with work beginning in late spring or early summer and finishing on time for the school to play night football games on campus for the first time next year.
Funding will come from the Measure P bond measure that voters passed last year that allocated about $1 billion for the construction of new facilities throughout the San Juan district.
“They would be able to hopefully begin construction over the summer and have it ready for the beginning of next fall,” Taylor said. “It will be a game changer for this campus, for the students, for the athletes, and for the community.”
Taylor said the district has not provided him with plans for the stadium, but that it will likely incorporate designs similar to the recently constructed facilities at Mesa Verde High School. It would include bleachers, lights, and a press box, as well as incorporating the existing scoreboard and concession stand.
District Spokesperson Raj Rai said the stadium is in early planning stages. The construction company has not yet been hired and there are no cost estimates.
The next step will be a community meeting Oct. 13 in the large gym from 6-7:30 p.m. Students, staff and neighbors are invited. Following a presentation, there will be small group discussions to gather feedback.
Those unable to attend may share their thoughts through an online form: www.sanjuan.edu/riostadium.
Rio’s head football coach Bob Ghazanfari said he looks forward to playing games on campus.
“We can truly have a high school experience here at Rio Americano,” Ghazanfari said. “We are really excited. It can be a really nice stadium where the whole community can come out and watch us play.”
Football will not be the only sport to benefit from this project. The stadium will also be used for track, soccer, lacrosse, flag football and others. It could be used for graduation ceremonies, which are now held at Memorial Auditorium for a cost of about $20,000.
Rio sports boosters have pressed the district for years to build a lighted stadium, increasing their push last winter after the bond measure passed.
Other plans for Rio Americano to be funded by bond money include new tennis courts, a new and enlarged pool, and a new science building, but these projects don’t have a timeline yet.
Related stories:
Build the Rio Stadium, April 2, 2025
“Light the Field, Seat the Fans” Organizers Hoping for More District Action on Stadium Upgrades, April 16, 2024
