Newnan School Stadium 'Structurally Deficient'

NEWNAN, Ga.,None — Work has already started to make sure a local high school stadium is safe.

The Coweta County School District said Drake Stadium at Newnan High School is "structurally deficient."

A district spokesperson told Channel 2's Diana Davis the solution may take years and could cost millions.

The stadium has served the school and the entire community for 45 years.

Now it's showing signs of age.

On a recent inspection, engineers discovered problems.

According to Dean Jackson, district spokesperson, "There are some issues with the structural steel. It's not scary; the structure is safe. The structure has been safe for years."

The stadium can seat up to 4,500 fans.

Some of the support beams hidden under the home stands are rusting, but with temporary repairs already under way, the district says the stadium will be OK for this year's graduation and next fall's football season.

No one know so far what the long-term fix will be.

The school board will get a presentation of possible solutions at its meeting April 12.

Jackson said it most likely will not be quick or cheap. "It very well could run into the millions but we do not know that yet," Jackson said.

He says several solutions are possible, including using funds from an existing local option sales tax .

"That most likely will come from a one cent local option sales tax that's part of the work that can go on here, but there obviously might be a role for booster clubs," Jackson said.

WSBTV