THOMASVILLE — Veterans Stadium is set to receive improvements for use in rain or shine and for a better game experience.   

The Thomasville City School board approved stadium renovations and awarded a bid for synthetic turf earlier this month. 

Awarded to Sports Turf/Astro Turf for $653,546, the bid was one of five the city schools received back in March. 

“It’s going to be perfect conditions every day,” Thomasville head football coach Zach Grage said, noting the turf could outlast weather conditions, such as 18 inches of rain per hour. 

Grage added the turf would aid in operating and maintenance cost savings, and even increase football and jersey life as both would not get as damaged or dirty. 

Other city school athletics, such as soccer and physical education classes, will be able to use the field without damaging the turf.  

Once installed at Veterans Stadium, the turf has an estimated 11-13-year field life based on overall usage, according to Grage. 

“They basically just replace whatever is on the top of the pad,” Grage noted, as only the synthetic turf is replaced while the foundation remains intact.  

Stadium improvements are to be completed in two phases. The first phase includes the turf, bathroom renovations, and handicap access and seating. 

The second phase includes work to the press box, entry way and new ticket booth, fencing, and demolition and restructuring of spaces beneath stadium bleachers.  

Bleachers repaired from fire damage are included in stadium work. 

Approximately $2 million has been allocated for the stadium renovation projects. 

The earliest date work can begin on the field is May 11. Deadline for completion for the first phase is July 31. 

According to Hank Townsend, city schools director of operations, work for the second phase is projected to begin after the 2017 football season, and completed by the beginning of the 2018 season. 

Bid breakdown: 

•Base bid: $517,610 

•Padding, better turf and cooling system: $90,458 

•Goal posts: $17,000 

•Stack block wall: $20,000 

•Groomer (smooth infill between games): $8,478 

Total: $653,546