Jordan Barela/Times-Enterprise The press box is part of the second phase of renovations for Veterans Memorial Stadium. 

THOMASVILLE — The prospect of a new press box for Veterans Memorial Stadium is still on the bench. 

The Thomasville City Schools facilities committee continued discussions of the second phase of stadium renovations. A new press box is listed in the first sub-phase of the second half of stadium renovations. 

Architect Leon Lynn said the “big ticket item” is moving from a two-story to a one-story press box. 

“The press box construction is all steel, all metal,” he said, adding the press box will be non-combustible. 

The press box will be “completely different from what you have now,” Lynn told committee members. 

Lynn also noted costs of modifying the current structure that holds the press box. 

Committee members discussed possible cost savings by deleting proposed modifications, such as stairs leading up to the press box.  

If stairs are removed, committee members noted an approximate savings of $48,000. 

The press box could be accessed from steps through the stands at the 50-yard line if stairs are not part of the renovations. 

Athletic Director Chris Merritt asked for the total price of the second phase of renovations. 

Head football coach Zach Grage said it was a “waste of time” to discuss taking out proposed renovations without a total price for the second phase. 

“Mentioning time anymore is a moot point,” Grage added. 

Board member Corey Sumner said it was key to get the desired upgrades the football staff needs but for the board to do so as a “good steward of the taxpayer money.” 

Lynn said construction costs are trending upward and there could be a 10 percent increase in costs in six months if the board did not approve renovations soon.  

Board Chairman Chris Rodd asked Lynn for a “hard date” on when to go out to bid for the entire second phase of the project. 

“Then everybody is working on the same calendar,” he added. 

Lynn estimated going out to bid in 60 days. 

The city schools received two bids for the press box. The two bids were from CCH Construction, Inc. for $539,000 and from Kellerman Construction, Inc. at $610,123.  

Committee members noted figuring out the remaining fund balance for the project and discuss the project further at the Tuesday school board meeting. 

Approximately $1.6 million in special purpose local options sales tax funds were budgeted for the Veterans Memorial Stadium renovation project.  

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.