San Juan High School staff, students and community members celebrated the May 20 groundbreaking of the school’s stadium modernization project. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - San Juan High School hit a significant milestone on May 20 as students, staff and community members celebrated the official groundbreaking of the school’s stadium modernization project. 

San Juan High School is at 7551 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights.

The ceremony opened with a performance of the National Anthem by the San Juan High School Band, followed by welcoming remarks from Principal David Levis, who expressed the school community’s excitement and gratitude for the support that made the project possible.

“Our stadium modernization is a transformational moment for San Juan High School, one that our students, families and staff have been eagerly anticipating. This project is more than just an upgrade to our athletic facilities; it’s an investment in our school’s future,” Levis said. 

The new stadium, expected to be completed during summer 2026, will include a synthetic all-weather track and field, two new tennis courts, a ticket booth, concession area and upgraded restrooms, all features that aim to enhance both student-athlete performance and community engagement.

San Juan Unified School District Board of Education members, Superintendent Melissa Bassanelli, and representatives from local and state government, including State Senator Roger Niello, Assemblymember Josh Hoover and Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney, joined the groundbreaking celebration. 

The May 20 groundbreaking ceremony opened with a performance of the National Anthem by the San Juan High School Band. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

Student speaker Adriel Tapia, a San Juan High senior, shared his perspective on what the project means for current and future Spartans.

“This expansion serves as a testament to the district and school’s value and commitment to enhancing the school experience. Being an athlete myself, I am hopeful for our future Spartans. I am confident that this new stadium will have a great impact on San Juan’s future and legacy,” Tapia said. 

The stadium modernization is part of San Juan Unified School District’s larger commitment to upgrading school facilities districtwide through voter-approved bond measures. The project is being led by architect firm Verde Design, contractor Robert A. Bothman and construction management firm 6D PMCM, in coordination with the district’s Facilities, Construction and Modernization team.

Twelfth-grade student Maybella said that she was excited to be witnessing the groundbreaking, even though she’ll no longer be a student by the time the project is completed. 

“The groundbreaking is so interesting and I think it’s great that they’re putting money into upgrading the school to better the lives of the students that come after us,” Maybella said. 

Social-science teacher Katelynn Pribyl said that she loves the way events like these bring the student community together. 

“I think this groundbreaking gives us a really good sense of community, where students can kind of join together and see the improvements of the school. I think it's good that the district is putting money into the school and I think it shows that the students are cared about, especially with the programs as well,” Pribyl said. 

Renderings of the stadium were available for viewing after the ceremony, offering a preview of what’s to come as the Spartan community looks forward to a modernized space that reflects its school’s pride and spirit.

Stay updated on the progress of the San Juan High School Modernization project and all of San Juan Unified school improvements at www.sanjuan.edu/sjstadium. 

To view a photo gallery of the event, visit the district’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SanJuanUnified/posts/.