When the Shawano Hawks take to the field for the 2026 season, they will play home games on a new synthetic turf football and soccer field.
The new stadium, part of a $51.23 million referendum approved by voters in November 2024, will also feature an upgraded eight-lane running track circling the field, new grandstands with built-in storage spaces underneath, a dedicated and updated tracking and throwing areas for field events, expanded gathering spaces, updated restrooms, redesigned traffic flow, a new ticket booth and a new concession stand.
Synthetic turf offers a consistently green appearance year-round with no water usage, no need for mowing or fertilizing, and high resistance to heavy foot traffic. It eliminates muddy patches, reduces chemical pesticide use and provides long-term financial and maintenance savings.
A ribbon cutting for the new stadium will be held at noon Aug. 17.
The Hawks football team will make its debut on the field at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 against Lakeland Union High School in a nonconference game.
The first Bay Conference game will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 against Winneconne.
As for boys soccer, the first home game will be at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 against Ashwaubenon, also a nonconference game.
The first Bay Conference tilt will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 8 against Green Bay West.
There will also be a ribbon cutting for the high school building addition and remodeling project at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 1 with an open house following from 4-7 p.m.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
