New NBHS Press Box Project Moving Along

Anyone attending a sporting event at the North Branford High School soccer field or football field may have noticed the state of the current press box. The 12x7 structure has peeling paint and is showing wear.

Superintendent Scott Schoonmaker made a presentation to the Town Council at the June 18 meeting about the construction of a new press box designed by Doug Fisher, which NBHS’s advanced construction class recently completed.  

“We’ve gotten our lifespan out of it [current press box],” said Schoonmaker. “Our kids [advanced construction class] did a great job and worked through all kinds of weather to get this done.”

The next step in the project is to dig the pilings and place steel beams to support the structure before the press box is lifted by crane to replace the old structure. While the cost of the project is $16,400, but that won’t be what is paid as many of the services and materials have been donated.

“We haven’t paid for any of the labor so far,” said Schoonmaker. “A number of items will be of no expense – demolition, interior, electrical and breaking down press box. Dave Palumbo donated all of concrete and will assist us in any way possible to get project done.”

Schoonmaker has funds available from concession stand proceeds and the North Branford Education Foundation, led by president Frank Mentone, donated $2,300 for materials early on and then recently made another $1,500 donation.

Councilor Rose Angeloni sweetened the presentation with a $2,000+ donation to the project from the Booster Club, which recently closed out its account. Those wishing to donate can make checks payable to North Branford Student Activities (Press Box).

The new structure, like the present press box, is built to hold camera crews on the roof, which will be accessed from inside the press box. There will be sliding windows on both the front and back sides.

“This will be great because we can call games for four sports from the new box – soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and football,” said Schoonmaker, who also complimented the students’ work on the ticket house and renovation of the old concession stand into a first aid station.