• “Light up the Field” kicks off opening of Rogers Stadium complex with performance from marching band, vendors, activities and more

    cheeratrsIt’s not every day that marching band practice at Bellefonte Area High School is open to the community. But on Aug. 12, numbers of people in the hundreds gathered at the newly-opened Rogers Stadium facility on the first night of the “Light up the Field” event that celebrated its opening and included an exclusive look at the band’s new show led by Band Director Caleb Rebarchak and drum major Keeli Pighetti.

    The night also included vendors, an information booth, a food truck, cheerleaders who welcomed guests, other activities and the chance for the community to walk around the facility. The event will continue 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-14. On Tuesday the high school soccer, lacrosse and track and field teams will be recognized along with live entertainment from DJ Jordan Emely. On Wednesday, the football team will be recognized along with a concert by Velveeta.

    Construction crews are still in the midst of putting on the final touches to the complex's amenities and will be fully open “with all the bells and whistles,” for the first home football of the season on Aug. 23, according to project manager Dave Stezin from Reynolds Construction. Phase 2 is being funded by the capital campaign. To learn more and/or to donate, visit this link: Learn more

    The Rogers Stadium facility will be the home of the football, soccer, lacrosse and track and field teams, in addition to other athletics programs from the district that have the opportunity to use it for other fitness activities.

    It includes closed bleachers that seat nearly 4,000 people, two concession stands, new restrooms, team rooms, an official’s room, athletic training room and more. It is also ADA compliant with a parking lot on the south end of the field. The track and field area is named in memory of two late BAHS graduates, Jeremy Herbstritt and Lt. Jonas Panik, and longtime coach Dave Schaub who still currently volunteers with the track and field program. There is an eight-lane track with throwing and jumping areas. The lights will also be used to light up the field when necessary and will also be open for community use during non-student activities and events.

    The bleachers are set up on east side of the field to allow the borough of Bellefonte to access a water main behind the stands allowing repairs without any disruption to the field, track and stands.

    *By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD