Biletnikoff field at Erie High is under a blanket of snow now, but by November of this year it will have a brand new look.

With the specifications out and bids due by March 30, upgrades are on the horizon, including a turf field, an all-weather track instead of cinders, new bleachers, a concession stand with restrooms and lights for night games -- all elements to usher in a new era of home field pride.

According to assistant superintendent of Erie's Public Schools Neal Brokman, because of a lack of regulation facilities, Erie High hasn't been able to host home track and field events for decades. "So right now if we're hosting an event, we're named as the host, but we're hosting at General McLane, we're at Cathedral Prep, we're not on our own property, so the idea that we'll be able to put in a facility on our property for our kids to use, is huge," Brokman said.

Architects and athletic officials have identified an adjacent spot that will be developed for the field and throwing events, all timed with phase two renovations of Erie High itself. "As part of the phase two construction project we've got a brand new athletic entrance being put in as well as we're going to renovate the locker rooms which are underneath the gyms at Erie high," Brokman said.

Construction and soft costs for the improvements will run over 6-million-dollars, but as far as what it will mean for the image of the school and the moral of student athletes, athletic director Dale Mills calls that priceless. "With the new facilities and having the kids have the opportunities to have what surrounding school districts have, I think they will feel valued like they should be," Mills said.

Mills, a record holding track team member herself believes that just seeing the field come to fruition will make the Erie High Royals roster soar. "Right now our roster's typically between 50 and 60, and that's with running on a cinder track, so I think when they see the facility it will make our numbers soar which will help other sports as well."

Mills wants to see student athletes participate in more than one sport and to stick with Erie's Public Schools, something she calls "playing for the E."  "I want them to play for the E, and I want them to be proud of that and I want them to -- if they are in our school system I want them to stay that way and not to choose a different one for the lack of facilities and I think that we are working toward giving them what they need," she said.

Brokman agrees, and said all the coaches are excited. "This will bring a sense of pride to the track and field team, I think that the membership and participation will increase, I think the same goes for boys soccer, girls soccer and football because we're going to have the facility right there."

Bids should be awarded by the Erie school board in April.  A ground breaking ceremony is planned for May 25, 2023 with former NFL great Fred Biletnikoff, an Erie native who played for the LA Raiders in town for the event.