For fans and visitors attending school sporting events, the game-day experience begins long before the first whistle or first serve. The journey towards the fields and courts sets the tone for what’s to come.
At the forefront of it all is the entrance, which serves not only as an access point but also as a statement of school spirit, pride, and professionalism.
That’s why MN’s creation of the new entrance by the fields and tennis courts is not just a construction project, but rather an investment for how it presents itself to the community. It was a goal for the school to create a better experience for everyone and make something that stands out.
“The main objective was to try and make an entrance to the facility so that everyone would be able to identify where it was. There have been many questions in the past of how to get to the field or where the entrance is and now it will be clearly identifiable,” Activities Director Keith Maly said.
However, there are other benefits to the new entrance. There are hopes it will attract more individuals and create an outreach for MN athletics.
“The design is to make it look more like an open plaza. There will be a black fence with a banner on the top indicating Millard Athletic Complex,” Maly said.
The unique concept that the administration has in mind is meant to lure new student-athletes and other individuals into the area.
“I feel it will help engage more interest not just in the MN community, but the outside organizations that want to use our facilities. Attracting outside people sparks interest in our school and more people might be interested in attending MN in the future,” Maly said.
Student-athletes currently at the school are already excited about the development of the new entrance. The many new aspects coming with the construction will add a lot to their practices and game days.
“The thing I’m most looking forward to for the new entrance is the new fence around the field. The old one was very worn out, and I think the new one will make the overall impression of the field more professional,” senior baseball player Myles Bunjer said.
These athletes believe that this development could mark the start of a new culture arising in MN athletics.
“I think the new fence will help us play to a higher standard. When we have equipment and a location that we can be proud of, it definitely improves our self-confidence as a team,” Bunjer said.
Yet, before all of this can happen the construction needs to finish. In the meantime, teams currently practicing near the new entrance have had to make adjustments during practices and real matches.
“We have had to store our equipment in a different place that is not that convenient, and we have to watch balls that get into the dirt and mud,” Head tennis coach Scott Orlando said.
The expected completion date for the entrance is November 1st, but it is dependent on the weather conditions. Until then, these teams are making adjustments to accommodate the construction.
“I am looking forward to what the new plaza brings to us and can’t wait til all the construction is gone so we can use our storage again and so it opens up more parking spaces,” Orlando said.
Even though these changes are inconvenient, everyone knows it is for the betterment of the school and community, and they encourage the construction as it becomes closer and closer to its finish.
“I think once it is finished it will look really great. I think I speak on behalf of all the other players and coaches: It will help all teams and all spectators when they come to watch sporting events here at Millard North,” Orlando said.
Overall, this project starts a significant improvement for MN and shows the dedication of our community to ensure that the facilities match the high standards of the school’s athletic programs.
“MN is grateful to our administration at our district office for developing and overseeing this project to help enhance the appearance of our outdoor facilities,” Maly said.
The progress of this entrance is an encouragement to our school and athletics. It’s a gateway that’s opening to the future of our community.