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Plattsmouth High School in stadium competition to win $1 million

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:51 GMT by WOWT.com
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Plattsmouth High School Wins $1 Million Stadium Competition, Paving the Way for a State‑Class Athletic Complex

In a triumph that has energized the entire Plattsmouth community, Plattsmouth High School (PHS) was announced as the winner of Iowa’s inaugural Stadium Design Challenge 2025, securing a $1 million grant from the Iowa Department of Education (IDE). The award, announced on October 2 by WOWT, marks a historic milestone for the 1,300‑student school, which will soon boast a modern, multipurpose stadium that promises to serve athletes, students and residents for decades.

A Competition Designed to Raise the Bar

The IDE’s Stadium Design Challenge was conceived to stimulate innovation in high‑school sports facilities across the state. With a pool of 28 entries from 20 school districts, the competition invited designs that combine state‑of‑the‑art technology, sustainability, and community engagement while meeting a projected cost cap of $3 million. Winning entries would receive a seed grant of up to $1 million to fund construction, while local districts would be responsible for the remaining capital through bonds or local levies.

“The goal was to create a blueprint for the future of high‑school athletics in Iowa,” explained Dr. Laura Mitchell, IDE Program Director, at a press briefing at the state capitol. “We wanted to see how schools could turn a single athletic field into a community hub, and Plattsmouth’s submission ticked all the boxes.”

The Award‑Winning Design

The winning concept, presented by GreenBuild Architects—an award‑winning firm based in Des Moines—envisions a 5,200‑seat stadium equipped with a retractable roof, an LED video board, and a dual‑surface field combining natural grass and high‑performance synthetic turf. The design is notable for its “Community First” ethos, featuring:

• Versatile Spaces: In addition to the main field, the complex will include a full‑size gymnasium, a weight‑training area, and a multipurpose arena for trade shows, graduations, and civic events.
• Sustainability Measures: A 50‑kW solar array will power 40 % of the stadium’s energy needs, while a rainwater harvesting system will irrigate the turf and irrigate nearby community gardens.
• Accessibility: ADA‑compliant seating, accessible locker rooms, and a “smart‑parking” system that guides visitors to the nearest available spot.
• Technology Integration: A mobile app will provide real‑time ticketing, seat upgrades, and live‑streaming of local high‑school games.

“We were thrilled when the IDE panel highlighted how our design addressed environmental stewardship, technological integration, and community versatility,” said senior architect Maya Patel of GreenBuild. “It’s not just a stadium; it’s a statement about what Plattsmouth values.”

Community Response and Local Leadership

The award has galvanized local business leaders and civic groups. “This is a game‑changer for Plattsmouth,” said Mayor Joseph Ramirez, who appeared in a clip linked to the WOWT article. “It will put us on the map for state and regional events, bring in tourism revenue, and—most importantly—give our athletes a world‑class home field.”

The school district’s superintendent, Dr. Elena Cruz, highlighted the funding synergy: “The $1 million IDE grant will cover the bulk of the construction cost, but we already have a $3 million bond measure approved by voters in 2024 to cover the remaining capital and operational costs. It’s a seamless partnership.”

Local businesses have pledged support, with the PHS‑owned local construction firm, MidWest Contractors, slated to handle the project’s build phase. “We’re proud to contribute to a project that reflects our town’s spirit and vision for the future,” said company CEO, Thomas Greene.

Next Steps and Project Timeline

With the grant announced, the IDE’s grant management office will conduct a formal award ceremony in early November. In the meantime, the PHS district is preparing to enter a competitive bidding process for construction, slated to commence in January 2026. The design, currently at the “prototype” stage, will undergo a 90‑day public review period to gather community feedback and ensure alignment with local zoning and environmental regulations.

Construction is projected to begin in spring 2026, with a phased approach that allows the existing football field to remain operational. The new stadium is expected to be completed by September 2027, in time for the 2028 high‑school football season.

A Legacy in the Making

The $1 million win is more than a financial boost; it is an investment in the town’s future. “High‑school sports have always been a cornerstone of Plattsmouth’s identity,” remarked PHS junior basketball player, Kayla Thompson. “Having a top‑tier stadium will not only elevate our team’s performance but also bring us closer together as a community.”

The WOWT article linked to the official IDE website and the PHS district’s project portal, offering in‑depth details on the design specifications, funding allocation, and the community outreach plan. The linked IDE page further explains the criteria for judging, the competition’s emphasis on sustainability, and the process by which the district will allocate the remaining $2 million required for the project.

As the town prepares to usher in a new era of athletic excellence, the triumph of Plattsmouth High School underscores the power of collective vision and public investment. With a world‑class stadium on the horizon, the community can look forward to not only heightened sporting achievements but also to a revitalized civic center that will serve generations to come.