A construction delay will force the Dutch Fork High School football team to play its first home game in another stadium.
The Silver Foxes new field turf playing surface will not be installed in time for the team's scheduled home opener against Fort Mill on August 31. The delay has moved the game to Chapin High School.
The district originally had plans to play the game at Irmo High's stadium, but decided on Thursday to move the game to Chapin.
District officials say days of heavy rain have hampered the already tight timeline to get the artificial turf in place and ready to go on time.
Three Lexington/Richland District 5 schools, including Irmo, Chapin and Dutch Fork are all receiving the new age playing surface. While weather has hampered the completion of the fields, both Irmo and Chapin's fields should be ready for their first home games.
District spokesperson Mark Bounds said the coaches, students and community have been supportive throughout the renovation process. "We are excited to be bringing these beautiful fields to our schools," said Bounds. "While we all had hoped the fields would be ready for the first football games, we know it will be worth the wait."
Many pro and college stadiums utilize the new playing surface, which is constructed to feel just like grass. The fields will be filled with rubber and sand, and cushioning will be built in with the new turf to help prevent certain injuries that football players can get on the field.
Each new field cost approximately $725,000 to install. District officials say cost savings will be garnered from reduced maintenance and upkeep costs.
"Band competitions, JROTC Drill competitions and various sporting events can be scheduled back-to-back without fear of hurting students or damaging the fields," said Bounds.
Funds for this project were part of the recent district bond referendum.
In addition to the football game delay, Dutch Fork's annual elementary night. It has been pushed back to September 21.
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Construction continues at Dutch Fork High School
Construction continues at Dutch Fork High School
