McArthur Field at San Juan High School on Greenback Lane is part of the ongoing effort to upgrade school facilities districtwide. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Students and alumni of San Juan High School are bursting with Spartan pride as construction of a modernized sports field complex at McArthur Stadium continues to move forward.

Project renderings of the stadium which were first available for viewing following last May’s groundbreaking ceremony, providing a glimpse of what was to come as the greater Spartan student and alumni community looks forward to a modernized sports field that fully reflects its school pride and spirit.

A walking tour of the project site shows just how much has been accomplished so far.

In just six months, some 100 yards of new, synthetic green football turf is already in place and looking nearly ready for play. 

Yellow goal posts are up, and each end zone proudly bears a bright red Spartans stencil.

The underlayment of new synthetic running track wraps the lush green synthetic grass of the new Spartan football playing field. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

Surrounding the football playing field, the underlayment for a new synthetic all-weather athletic running track has been placed and compacted.

Looking towards the back student and staff parking lot entrance from Mariposa Drive, where two tennis courts are being built, concrete has been poured, and structural steel is in place. 

Ongoing work also includes the construction of a new ticket booth, concession area and upgraded restrooms.

The stadium modernization project is part of the San Juan Unified School District’s ongoing effort to upgrade school facilities districtwide and is on track to be completed during summer 2026, according to a district representative.

The original high school track and its football field was built in 1949, some 75 years ago. A press box above the bleachers was later added in 1950, and stadium lights were added in 1984.

Rendering of the new McArthur Stadium football field and athletic complex at San Juan High School. Photo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

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.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements were the last major updates made to the stadium in 2008, which included an ADA-compliant path of travel, parking stalls, bleacher seats and a concession serving window, according to district records.

Plans for the modernization and improvement of San Juan High’s McArthur stadium come on the heels of the major construction of a new stadium for Mesa Verde High School, which did not have a stadium since its inception in the 1970s. The new stadium at Mesa Verde High School was completed in the fall of 2023.

Project work includes the construction of two new tennis courts, a new ticket booth, concession area and upgraded restrooms. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

“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,” said San Juan High school principal David Levis at the May groundbreaking ceremony.

The updated McArthur Stadium is also expected to become a central gathering space for school pride, community events and expanded athletic programming in the greater Citrus Heights area, according to the district.

Passage of Measure P, a $950 million facilities improvement bond aid at enhancing local schools last November is allowing the San Juan Unified School District to allocate funds for modernization and renovation of school facilities, including a planned upgrade San Juan High’s science classrooms to support 21st century learning.