Although West Seattle Stadium has been Prep’s beloved home field for years, recent changes in zoning laws have forced us to relocate and sell the cherished stadium. However, an anonymous benefactor generously donated nearly 50 million dollars which will cover almost all of the costs for the establishment of a state-of-the art 75,000-seat stadium at Montlake Playfield. The rest of the money will be drawn by cutting funding from the Collegio department.
The new 50-million-dollar stadium takes Friday Night Lights to the next level with the addition of eight 200ft LED flood lights to always keep the field staying bright. Each seat in the 75,000-seater stadium will be fitted with heated padding and reclining footrests. Additionally, a 5,000 square foot 360-degree Jumbotron is to be installed, to ensure the Panther fans never miss a play. As for food options, both Ezells Fried Chicken and Chipotle have agreed to open stores in the stadium so that hungry fans and players can indulge to their heart’s content.
To oversee this intimidating project, Prep hired renowned construction contractor, Dan Mitchell, to spearhead the initiative. Mitchell estimates $100 million of the budget will go towards the purchasing of Montlake Playfield itself, while the rest will go towards renovating and building the facility. Dan plans to destroy the existing field and construct the new one more inland to prevent flooding issues during the rainy season.
Unfortunately, some neighbors are unhappy with the massive construction project. Montlake resident Jimmy Jacobsen has lived in the area for the past 55 years and is currently petitioning to prevent the construction of the stadium. When asked about his reasons for opposing the construction he told us, “You can take my money, my house, my car, heck, even my kids, but I’ll never let you take Montlake. Every day I wake up and walk around the playfield at least a dozen times. If your darn stadium is built, where do you expect me to do my morning walks?”
In response to the neighbors’ complaints, Mitchell has decided to make the controversial decision to make the stadium even larger. “We must make a statement to the neighbors. We will not concede to any of their complaints. This stadium will be a representation of Prep; therefore, we will settle for no less than the biggest and best in the Northwest,” Dan said. “These facilities are a gamechanger, you definitely can expect a state championship title next fall,” an incoming senior told us.
