The press box in the grandstands of Lobo Stadium has been a continuing problem, Snowflake Unified School District Superintendent Hollis Merrell reported at the Jan. 8 district governing board meeting. After hearing his report, the board approved moving forward with the project.
Merrell said that there is a lot of foot traffic, with coaches and media on the roof during sport activities, and over the years the water and environment on the flat roof has caused severe problems and the wood is rotting.
Staff and administration members are of the opinion that it would be more cost effective to build a new press box rather than to continue repairing the old structure.
Merrell reported they are looking at a double-decker press box, which would keep everyone inside the building instead of on the roof, and which would also take away the potential of someone falling off the roof.
“We don’t have a set of plans,” said Merrell. “We need permission from the board to move forward.”
Snowflake High School Athletic Director Kevin Standerfer is looking at a plan that would entail building the first level now and adding the second level at a later date, said Merrell, noting, “We don’t want a flat roof.”
SHS Principal Larry Titus added that the construction class is applying for a grant that would be used for the press box.
The board approved removing the old press box and rebuilding a new one.
