Construction at the Great Bend High School’s Memorial Stadium has reached a point where the facility must be strictly closed and activities adjusted or relocated for a period of time, USD 428 officials announced Wednesday. The project has experienced delays but crews and GBHS administration are working hard to ensure the facility can be open for home varsity football games scheduled for Sept. 22 and 29.

Events Impacted:

• Sept. 14: GBMS football will be moved to the GBMS Football Field

• Sept. 16: Youth football will be moved to the GBMS Football Field

• Sept. 18: Freshman and junior varsity football will be moved to Beuhler

• Sept. 14-21 and 23-28: Practices for football, band, and other activities will be adjusted or moved to other locations

GBMS football field:

Andrea Bauer at the district office noted that Great Bend Middle School football and youth football are normally played on the turf field at Memorial Stadium. For those attending games there, seating is limited. The district is working to bring in additional bleachers, but spectators are welcome to bring their own chairs. Entry Gates are located on the southeast corner of the field

The public and students are asked to observe this closure both during school and after hours and refrain from entering Memorial Stadium.

“GBHS is appreciative of the community’s patience during this project and the final efforts to complete the track and fully reopen GBHS Memorial Stadium as soon as possible,” Bauer said.

Track update

The delay in opening the stadium comes as the track surrounding the football field is being completed, Activities Director Matt Westerhous said. The latest delay was caused by rain on Sunday and Monday.

The track must be laid in two layers, with 48 hours of curing time before and after the second layer is placed. 

Questions can be directed to the GBHS Activities Office at 620-793-1560.