Events moved, postponed at Hempfield's Spartan Stadium after rain delays track replacement

Several events at Hempfield Area’s Spartan Stadium have been changed or postponed this season after the resurfacing of the track was delayed because of bad weather.

The $832,500 project, including the resurfacing, was approved by the school board in April and expected to be completed before the fall athletic season.

However, installation was delayed as rain moved through the region this summer, including remnants of Hurricane Ida that dropped several inches this month.

“We are still hopeful the stadium will be completed next week,” said Brandon Rapp, Hempfield’s athletic director. “The biggest issue is we can’t spray adhesive on the track with the rain. That’s why it’s such a fluid process.”

The delay has caused athletic teams to play away games for the first half of the season. Rapp noted that home games are expected to be played during the second half.

Band fest set for Oct. 2

The Hempfield Area Band Festival, originally scheduled for this weekend, was rescheduled for Oct. 2.

Installation of the stadium’s new track is entering its final stages, and “the sensitive nature of that process cannot have interruptions or nearby activity,” a post on the district’s website reads.

Officials with the Hempfield Area Spartan Band said they did not encounter any major issues in changing the date.

“The district worked very closely and well with us,” said Rob Bojarski, president of the Hempfield Area Band Parents Association. “They have done everything they possibly can to reduce impacts.”

Nine bands are scheduled to perform their halftime shows at the festival, which was canceled last year because of the covid-19 pandemic. Concession stands will be open, and a bake sale is planned. A raffle giveaway featuring 25 baskets also is scheduled.

Bojarski said social distancing will be encouraged, adding that festival organizers are following school guidance in relation to covid-19 mitigation policies.

Gates to the stadium will open at 5:30 p.m. Performances will begin at 7.