Some of the local bitterness and acrimony over the Katy Independent School District’s new 12,000-seat, $70.3 million Legacy Stadium should subside now that it’s finally ready for “Friday Night Lights” football, Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt said shortly before the official dedication.
“Everybody in this community agreed there was another stadium that was needed. There was just a difference of agreement on the cost and the size,” Hindt said. “You will see how this pulls the community together.”
In 2013, Katy voters rejected a more expensive price tag for the stadium but in 2014 approved a bond that included a $58 million version. However, infrastructure improvements meant another $12 million added to the final cost. But all that’s now in the past, Hindt said, standing on the green field between the home team and visiting team side.
“This is something the community wanted,” he said. “We may be the most expensive stadium for a little bit but another one will come.”
He said 54,000 people voted on the 2014 bond with about 30,000 voting in favor. “But they all support the Katy ISD and the kids of Katy ISD,” Hindt said.
Legacy Stadium will be more than merely a place for football, Hindt said.
“It’s a multi-purpose facility. We’re going to have drill teams, the bands and cheerleaders,” he said. “We’re going to open this up for the community to enjoy and appreciate.”
Unlike Rhodes Stadium, the bands won’t be forced to crowd together at the end zone during game play as they wait for their halftime shows. They’ll have their own space just behind the scoreboard to get ready.
Katy spent about $15,000 per student during the 2016 fiscal year, roughly 33% less than Madison plans to spend during 2017-2018.