Makeover magic: Warrior concession stand gets facelift
MHS Boosters pay for
new counter, cabinets
Staff reporter
Enjoying popcorn, hot dogs, and soft drinks from the concession stand is part of the fun of going to football games.
The concession stand at Warrior Stadium is as much an icon as the stadium itself.
For the past 40 years, throngs of children, parents, and athletes have crowded the concession stand before games and at halftime to purchase a cool soda or hot chocolate.
Rustic counter tops, and limited electricity and counter and storage spaces were among the complaints of any volunteer who has worked in the outdated snack bar.
This year, fans will be pleasantly surprised with a new, brightly-colored concessions area.
"I don't think anything has been done to the concession stand since the stadium was built," said Diane Richmond, president of Marion High School Boosters.
The stadium was built in 1966, and the original concession counters were still being used. The boosters decided it was high time to replace the eyesore.
The project included a reconfiguration of the concession area to provide a larger work area for concessioneers. Instead of a counter facing west, the counter now faces south.
A bright blue counter with a red Formica counter top replaces an unpainted wooden counter. White cabinets and red counter tops partially encircle the snack bar area. The work area has been enlarged from six feet to 10 feet. A new sink and hot water heater also are welcomed sights.
"We no longer have to heat up water on the stove for hot drinks," said Shawn Geis, vice president of the organization.
Besides being aesthetically pleasing, the group also wanted the facility to be as clean as possible for serving food.
A long time in the making, the booster board of directors decided last year about this time to take on the project but the work didn't begin until July, after the Marion County Relay for Life event.
"We've had tremendous support from the community," Richmond said.
With an estimated budget of $6,000-$10,000 for the project, the organization appreciated the support from local businesses who have worked with them in meeting their expectations with a limited budget.
The counter was designed and built by Pat Carr of Carr Construction. The counter sets on a wooden base with channels that will allow water to run through in case of mishaps. The local construction company also installed the cabinets and counter tops.
Additional electrical outlets and an increase in electrical service work was completed by Clyde Secrest and Daryl Shults of LinCo. Inc., and the sink was purchased from Flaming's Heating, Cooling, and Air Conditioning.
"We also appreciated USD #408 in allowing Quinn Trapp to do the plumbing for us," Geis said.
Marion Middle School PAC and MHS FFA also will contribute money to the project.
A new Pepsi cooler has been provided by the vendor which will make a total of four coolers for soda, water, and candy bars.
MMS PAC will use one or two of the older coolers and the concession stand for middle school football games.
The project will be completed by Thursday, the first MMS football game.
Parents of Marion High School students "automatically" are considered a part of the boosters organization, Geis said.
"We support all student activities, not just sports," Richmond said.
Dependent on the number of students participating in an activity, the organization provides money for food, transportation, or other costs associated with the activity.
The group sponsors the After Prom party each year, with the support from local merchants for prizes.
"We have various fund-raisers during the school, including the football concessions, to pay for After Prom and other projects," Geis said.
Other annual fund-raisers are selling bierrocks at Art in the Park, a tailgate supper prior to MHS homecoming football game, and selling sweatshirts and headbands.
The organization has used that money for purchasing mats at MHS gymnasium. They have supported a band trip, helped pay for paint for the big "M," and other projects.
The concession stand project will drain a major portion of the organization's treasury which means more fund-raisers.
"Chris Meierhoff has designed two limestone decorations for us," Richmond said.
Supporters can purchase tickets for $1 each to win one of the stones. The drawings will be held when a sufficient number of tickets have been sold.
"We really appreciate everybody who bent over backward for us," Richmond said.
The next phase of the concessions makeover may include painting concrete walls but that won't be until the group raises more funds. The organization also is needing a microwave oven donated to the cause.
Booster members do not have to be parents of MHS students, Geis said.
Anyone interested in assisting with booster projects can contact Richmond at (620) 382-2658 or Geis at (620) 382-2840 or board members Jan Helmer, Joella Hett, or Brenda Maddox.
