After nearly two years of construction, Katy ISD welcomed parents, students, staff and community members to the dedication ceremony for Mike Johnston Field at Legacy Stadium in Texas.
Approved by voters as part of a 2014 bond to provide Katy ISD students and community with a state-of-the-art multipurpose stadium, the venue will benefit the 77,000+ students currently enrolled in the district, as well as their families and other residents. The stadium will serve as an athletic and fine arts venue for Katy ISD schools.
The name, Legacy Stadium, was selected by a community-led naming committee to pay homage to the district’s history of excellence and tradition.
Designed by HKS and Fort Worth-based VLK Architects, the entire site, including the pre-existing Rhodes Stadium and new Legacy Stadium, is masterplanned as a comprehensive, park-like community venue. A land bridge enables the two facilities to complement each other and to be operated in tandem. The bridge features an outdoor plaza to host events such as art fairs, carnivals, and similar.
Legacy Stadium was planned and built on adjacent land just north of Rhodes Stadium. Together, the stadiums are designed to support both sports and fine arts activities for all eight district high schools and their feeder zones. A key architectural element from Rhodes Stadium was also incorporated into the new venue – the north end zone berm.
A plaza and green space, located between the two stadiums, accommodates art fairs, exhibits and a variety of outdoor gatherings. The stadium is designed to host events 365 days per year, including football, soccer, band competitions and other community activities.
The new stadium is a distinctive high-school venue that focuses on creating a more immersive experience. Unlike typical sports and entertainment venues, the upper seating bowl is elevated and positioned closer to the playing field, creating a sense of intimacy and a heightened experience.
An open concourse, designed into the bowl, allows patrons to see the field even when visiting the concession stands or other amenities.
A 50ft-tall, 200ft-long perforated metal screen protects patrons from the western sun and provides shelter during inclement weather. It can also be illuminated with color LED lighting to celebrate the home team.
The stadium features an athletics Hall of Honor at each main entry commemorating outstanding achievements or contributions over the course of Katy ISD’s history. Above the home stands is a signature press box with a unique tapered roof form that crowns the entire complex. A distinctive one-story press box is well equipped to provide space for coaches, press and operations representatives. The venue also offers two hospitality suites with exceptional views of the field and the city beyond.
A state-of-the-art scoreboard, on the north end of the field, measures 60ft by 25ft. The fieldhouse – located at the south end zone — includes multipurpose space that overlooks the field and serves as a venue within a venue. The patio deck, which includes fixed seating, can be configured for many district and community occasions.
August 23, 2017
