Masich Place Stadium is not in use right now as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving city workers a chance to start on upgrades to the Prince George facility.
A new scoreboard is being installed as the first of several other renovations the city approved in its 2019-2023 Capital Plan last year, and will sit 24 feet high and 19 feet wide at 12 feet above the ground.
Other features to the new board include an 11-by-16 LED video screen for teams to utilize graphics during games, a new sound system and an upgraded public announcing system.
“Construction of the clock is being done by Westcana Electric and is expected to take one to two weeks depending upon the weather,” reads a city news release.
“Westcana will also be installing delay-of-game timers for football and lacrosse. The old halogen field lighting is being replaced by Houle Electric with new LED technology lighting offering savings in electrical consumption, but also high-quality lighting for events.”
Prince George is scheduled to host a pair of provincial events in the next two years like the 2021 Track and Field Jamboree and the 2022 BC Summer Games.
The city also approved several other renovations to bring Masich Place up-to-date on technology and stadium amenities, including:
- Two universal washrooms and refurbishments to men’s and women’s washrooms
- Refurbished concession area, change rooms, and the referee room
- New score booth with insulation, heat, windows, and controls for the score clock, digital display, and sound system
- Additional accessible seating to replace ramp and stairs at each end of the stadium, allowing access to north and south bleachers
- Glass railings for complete visibility from accessibility-seating areas
- LED field lighting
All these are set to take place throughout the spring season.
For now, Masich Place is closed due to COVID-19 and on paper as its still the winter season for civic facilities.
It’s scheduled to remain closed until May 30 as per the B.C. government’s ban on gatherings of 50 people or more and encouraging physical distancing.
That date is when Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry will make a decision to either extend, tighten or lift the order.
