La Porte High School is set to debut its brand-new, state-of-the-art Bulldog Stadium for the 2025 football season. This $56 million facility, funded through a voter-approved $235 million bond in May 2023, exemplifies Texas’s commitment to high school football excellence. The stadium’s grand opening is scheduled for August 29, when the Bulldogs will face off against Deer Park, marking their first true home game since 2022.
Stadium Features and Enhancements
The new Bulldog Stadium boasts several modern amenities designed to enhance both player performance and spectator experience. The seating capacity has been increased to approximately 9,000, an addition of 500 seats from the previous stadium. An upgraded eight-lane track replaces the former six-lane version, enabling La Porte High School to host University Interscholastic League (UIL) track events. The development center within the stadium includes a comprehensive weight room, locker rooms, and a conference center, serving both athletic and educational purposes. Additionally, a modern press box and an observation deck have been constructed, suitable for hosting marching band competitions and providing enhanced media coverage capabilities.
Overcoming Challenges: The Bulldogs’ Resilience
During the stadium’s construction, the La Porte Bulldogs demonstrated remarkable resilience. Without a home field since October 2022, they played “home” games at alternative venues. In 2023, they utilized Barbers Hill High School’s facilities, located 24 miles from campus, and in 2024, they played at Deer Park’s Abshier Stadium, 12 miles away. Despite these challenges, the team achieved back-to-back district championships and reached the regional finals for the first time since 2011.
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Head Coach Kevin Berneathy praised his team’s adaptability, stating, “It’s built a huge amount of toughness in our team. We can go anywhere and play.”
Project Overview
Location: 301 E Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, 77571 (Harris County)
Project Name: La Porte ISD | Bulldog Stadium
Project Type: Complete rebuild and modernization of the existing stadium
Estimated Cost: $56 million, funded through a $235 million bond approved in May 2023
Construction Timeline:
Start Date: June 29, 2023
Expected Completion: January 30, 2025
Size: Approximately 18,620 square feet of renovated space
Seating Capacity: Approximately 9,000 seats, an increase of 500 from the previous stadium
Key Features:
Eight-lane track suitable for hosting University Interscholastic League (UIL) events
New press box and observation deck for enhanced media coverage and marching band competitions
Development center featuring a weight room, locker rooms, and a conference center
Enhanced accessibility features to accommodate all spectators
Developers and Construction Team:
Owner: La Porte Independent School District
Design Firm: Huckabee Architects
Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS): Attila Huszka
Funding and Community Support:
Part of a $235 million bond package approved by voters in May 2023
The bond also includes funds for district-wide safety and security upgrades, technology infrastructure, and the construction of the Bulldog Development Center
Community Support and Financial Stewardship
The $235 million bond, which included funding for the stadium, was approved without increasing the district’s property tax rate. This financial strategy reflects La Porte Independent School District’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while investing in the community’s future.
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Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson emphasized the project’s significance, noting that the stadium serves as both an athletic facility and an educational resource, benefiting every student daily.
Looking Ahead
As the Bulldogs prepare to return to their home turf, the new Bulldog Stadium stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to excellence in education and athletics. This facility not only elevates the school’s sports programs but also reinforces La Porte’s status in Texas high school football.
