Architects assure stadium completion date

Architects working toward the new multi-sport athletic complex for the Elyria City Schools have assured that the new Ely Stadium will be ready for Elyria High School’s football home opener Aug. 24.

Representatives of AECOM/AGS of Cleveland and Architectural Vision Group, AVG, of Westlake, presented a project update of the complex and stadium June 13 at the district’s school board meeting.

Syed Abbas, Vision Group’s lead designer, and Sean Murphy, project manager of AECOM/AGS, gave Elyria Schools officials the positive news of the timely completion.

The projects are moving forward for the stadium and complex as the former Ely Stadium next door is in the midst of demolition, the pair said.

They said the facility will be a much more easier and convenient access for guests in the future.

“Things are moving along real good,” Abbas said. “We don’t see any problem of this complex getting ready in time.”

Murphy said the district should not have to worry about any delays to opening day if something were to happen.

“We spent countless hours every week (planning and working),” he said. “We wouldn’t have even looked at the option of demolishing the existing stadium had we any concerns about meeting the deadline for kickoff.”

Murphy said demolition of the original Ely Stadium started June 12, six days after the last Elyria High graduation ceremony at the field.

Construction groups have removed visitor bleachers, tennis courts, stadium lights, he said.

Workers are waiting to take down the home grand stands by next week as they wait for an abatement.

At the new stadium, Murphy said crews are working on every aspect they can to quickly complete projects.

Bleachers and asphalt for parking are to come next week as they work on the main field house.

Due to weather delays, it has taken them some time to lay the turf and track area for the field, Murphy said.

The stadium, lights, bleachers, track and field house with concession and locker rooms are on track, he said.

Some miscellaneous site finishes could be finished closer to the Aug. 24 date, Murphy said.

Other projects for the complex, such as tennis courts and baseball and practice fields will be in process once Ely Stadium is complete.

Murphy said he is from Elyria and is an Elyria Catholic alum.

He recalled playing games at the original Ely Stadium and said it’s unbelievable for the district to have the new facility.

Murphy said he is pleased being a part of a huge project and he couldn’t be happier for Elyria Schools.

“This is something they deserve and really needed,” he said.