It’s official: Larkin High School in Elgin is getting a sports stadium.
The Elgin City Council last week unanimously approved School District U-46’s plan to build a 2,500-seat sports stadium on the school’s campus at 1475 Larkin Ave.
Construction is expected to cost $11.8 million and the venue could be ready to use by July 2026, District U-46 officials have said.
Councilman Corey Dixon, who once played varsity football at Larkin, said it’s something he thinks the school direly needs.
“The football program is in limbo of sorts and really struggling,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to having this and, hopefully, this will reinvigorate the sport at Larkin.”
Larkin is the only high school in the district that doesn’t have its own sports facility. The school’s team, the Royals, plays their games at the Elgin High School stadium.
U-46’s plan calls for a synthetic turf field, bleacher seating, scoreboard and 7,500-square-foot building for concessions, locker rooms and restrooms. There also will be two ticket booths and a 1,500-square-foot outdoor, covered pavilion with seating.
Dixon said he has received email from neighbors concerned about increased traffic and parking, which are valid concerns. And while he knows there will be an escalation in both on game days — there are five home games per season — “what I saw in the plans was a very thoughtful process,” he said.
The district is providing the required number of parking spaces for games and also has a plan in place to provide shuttle buses from nearby schools for big games, officials said.
Councilwoman Tish Powell, who identified herself as a proud parent of a U-46 graduate who competed in athletics, called the sports venue something that’s been long needed.
“I can’t imagine being a parent of an athlete and knowing how hard their athletes work and not having a stadium there for them to compete in,” Powell said. “It’s such a wonderful addition to this school and so long overdue. I’m excited for Larkin High and for the students and staff there that this is finally coming to fruition and I can’t wait to attend a game there.”
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.