Stadium press box replacement awaits funding

On November 17 Fallbrook Union High School District assistant superintendent Chet Gannett addressed the FUHSD board about efforts to replace the press box at Fallbrook High School’s stadium.

While Gannett has received a range of cost estimates for the work, which would also replace the snack bar and restroom, the district hasn’t received the funding required for the project.

“The more we look at it, the less likely the numbers are going to fall into place to have it happen this summer,” Gannett said.

The existing press box dates to a 1970s renovation of the stadium. “It’s in such poor condition,” Gannett said. “It was not used last year.”

An outside stand next to the press box was used to accommodate media and game operations personnel who would normally be based in the press booths. That eliminated the risk of sitting, standing and walking on a decades-old platform.

“We’re always going to err on the side of caution,” Gannett said.

The reduction both in state revenue and in developer fees limits the school’s ability to fund a new press box. Safety and other considerations restrict the ability of booster club funding.

“School projects have to probably pass the highest muster of all,” Gannett said.

A new press box must also meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Gannett noted that he has received a disparate range of preliminary cost estimates.

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