They've never played a football game at home - not a single one in their entire 42-year history. But Perry Meridian High School may finally get to play on their own home turf.
Eyewitness News has learned that school officials are exploring possibility of building a new stadium where Perry High School practice field is. While school officials declined comment, some neighbors with the Hill Valley Homeowners association said a proposal had been outlined during a school board meeting in July.
Charlie Eldridge, who attended that meeting, shared the Powerpoint presentation given that night, which is titled, "Perry Meridian Athletic Facility Needs."
It proposes a stadium built over three phases, for just under $9 million. Phase one would include site development, drainage, synthetic turf and scoreboards. Phase two includes seating for 3,500, sports lighting, a press box, restrooms and a concession building. Phase three calls for a locker room building, relocating tennis courts and providing storage under the grandstands.
The document doesn't provide a timeline. It lists the rainy day fund as a possible source of funding, and also mentions donations.
Lisa Hentrup, who'd heard of the proposal, was initially enthusiastic.
"I think it would be great for all for Perry Township," she said. It would be good for Perry Meridian to distinguish itself, have its own (stadium.) You can look out of the classroom onto the fields and be proud and not have to go all the way to Southport" for home games.
But Hentrup also balked at the price tag, saying it seemed "too high for a high school stadium, especially when it wouldn't bring in that much income or revenue."
While some other residents raised concerns about noise and traffic, Don Clark, who lives behind the school said he didn't think it would be an issue.
"They're pretty self-contained over there. When they have events and basketball games, there's a lot of parking. It doesn't blend into the neighborhood," he said.
Jacob Lyon, a senior at Perry Meridian said a new stadium "would be pretty cool," but also wondered if the money wouldn't be better spent on other needs.
The needs assessment also calls for improvements to the soccer and baseball fields at both Perry Meridian High School and Perry Meridian Middle School. It also calls for rebuilding the soccer field at the middle school.
The projected costs of all improvements, including the stadium, is estimated at just over $12 million.
