Renovation Needs

In May 2009, voters approved a $12.5 million bond proposal within the Muskegon Public School district. According to District Maintenance Director Dave Beckman, the $1 million slated for improvements at Hackley Stadium will cover remodeling and expanding locker room facilities, including new plumbing and electrical service and fixtures.  A remodel of the Sanford Street ticket office is scheduled as well as construction of two new ticket booths, one on Jefferson Street and one on Sanford Street. Cracks in the stadium itself will be repaired and painting at the facility will be done as needed. A brick wall is planned for the Jefferson Street side of the field, to replace current cyclone fencing that has been in place for years. In addition, new glass block windows will be installed in all locker rooms along Sanford and new storage areas will be created beneath the stands where the old concession were previously located.

There is no planned work on the press box, lighting, the public address system or the field.  The scoreboard will not be replaced using bond money.

Our Goal

Because of this, the Big Red Athletic Foundation has embarked on a $1 million capital campaign for renovations to the football field at Hackley Stadium.  The plan is to install a safe artificial infill-style playing surface that will allow for unlimited practice and competition for hundreds of athletes, physical education students, band members and youth sports participants.  This is not the old Astroturf that was laid over concrete.


The goal is to create an endowment that will assist in maintaining the field once it has been installed.  If funds are available, the Foundation will also work toward additional improvement to the Hackley Field.  This could include the installation of new scoreboard and video display at the site.  The sale of video advertising would allow us to generate new revenue streams for all sports. In addition, improvement to the press box, lighting and the PA system at Hackley Stadium are projected.

Project Phases

Help us reach our goal of completing the Hackley Stadium Renovation in its entirety. We rely on the support of those that are able to give their time or monetary gifts.

Phase 1 - Artificial Infill-type turf
a. Determine manufacturing specifications necessary or desired.
b. Determine field markings, logo, endzone lettering, game lines
c. Field equipment (goal posts, etc.) to be included.
d. Soil testing
e. Construction methods and timeline

Phase 2 - Hackley Stadium Scoreboard
a. Video Scoreboard

Contingency Plan

a. Should money be raised, but not enough to cover the initial phase of construction within an acceptable timeframe, a contingency phase will be enacted.
b. The contingency would allow for a significant and impressive upgrade to the stadium while still generating revenue for either the renovation project continuation or toward athletic department objectives.