Howard Wood Field Taking Shape

SIOUX FALLS, SD - Big changes are being made at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.

Crews are in the process of giving the stadium a multi-million dollar makeover and thanks to our mild winter, we're getting a better of idea of what the new and improved Howard Wood will look like when it's finished. 

At Howard Wood Field, football players go the extra yard to try and win the big game, but time hasn't been on the side of this old stadium. In fact, the clock ran out. 

"You could tell from just looking at the cement slabs and concrete was starting to fall apart we needed to get it up to ADA standards," Sioux Falls Athletic Director Mark Meile said.

Since November, crews have been tackling the stadium seating, replacing the large slabs of concrete; no small feat when you consider Howard Wood holds 10,000 fans.

They'll also be adding a new much larger press box that will add to the size of the stadium. 

"It will sit a little higher than the old press box, elevated into the air about 8 feet, underneath the press box will be ADA seating for those people who need that and there will be an elevator to the press box as well," Meile said. 

Once the construction crews are finished replacing the bleachers then they'll replace the Howard Wood Field track.

It'll still be eight lanes and have the same kind of surface as before, but it won't be finished in time for the annual Howard Wood Dakota Relays. 

"You know we thought about moving it to another site whatever the case may be, but the board made the decision not to have a Howard Wood in 2012, but we'll be back bigger and better than ever in 2013," Meile said.

Thanks to mother nature and a mild winter, crews are in a hurry up offense if you will to get all of the renovations done before next football season. 

"Our completion target date, Aug 15th, first football game Aug 24th," Meile said.  

Due to construction, middle school track meets will be held at area high schools this spring.