SHAWANO, WI- The new athletic stadium at Shawano High School is expected to provide more than just a new place for the Hawks to play.
According to WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser, a facility like Shawano’s new stadium can become a source of pride for the entire community while also creating opportunities to attract visitors and host events.
“It’s so much more than playing some games on a football field, truly,” Hauser said. “What it is is it’s a source of pride for a community.”
Hauser said the stadium also demonstrates the community’s investment in its students and student-athletes.
On a typical Friday night, she said, the experience extends well beyond the football game itself, with cheerleaders, pom and dance teams, the marching band, alumni and other members of the community all playing a role.
“A facility like this just speaks volumes about community pride and it’s going to last for a long time,” Hauser said.
The new stadium could also provide Shawano with an opportunity to host WIAA neutral-site events, bringing teams and fans from other communities to Shawano.
Hauser said those events can provide an economic benefit as visitors eat at local restaurants, fill up their vehicles with gas and spend money in the community.
“When they bring their wallets and their debit cards with them, too, that’s always a perk to bring extra people to your community for a neutral site opportunity,” she said.
Hauser said Shawano’s central location could make the new facility an attractive option for future hosting opportunities, which could include Sectionals competition.
“Absolutely,” Hauser said when asked if she would be proud to see Shawano host events at the new stadium. “Certainly with the location here in Shawano, centrally located, there’s going to be no doubt there’s going to be some options for some hosting opportunities.”
She also hopes Shawano will have the opportunity to host its own games at the new facility while opening the doors to other teams and events from around the state.
Comments