Marion schools weigh $20 million Booster Stadium renovation

Rendering Booster Stadium by Ausley Construction.

Marion County school officials are considering a sweeping $20 million renovation of Booster Stadium, a facility that has seen few upgrades since it was built more than five decades ago.

The proposal, discussed during a Sept. 18 school board work session, would overhaul the 5,500-seat stadium with new locker rooms, restrooms, concessions and storage facilities built beneath expanded bleachers. Plans also call for an artificial turf field, a synthetic track and a multi-use entrance building that could house offices, classrooms or a meeting space.

“This would give Marion County Public Schools and the community an exceptional venue to host a variety of events, from graduations to tournaments and even concerts,” said Donnie Tucker, the district’s coordinator of athletics and activities.

A long history, few upgrades

Booster Stadium was opened by the Ocala Wildcats Booster Club in 1969 and purchased by the school board in 1973. It served as the shared home field for Forest and Vanguard high schools from 1971 until 2004. Vanguard still does not have an on-campus stadium.

District officials acknowledged that the facility has fallen behind modern standards, with plumbing, electrical and structural issues persisting for years. Locker rooms are largely unusable, and visiting teams sometimes must travel to Vanguard’s campus to shower after games.

Funding and feasibility questions

The conceptual drawings, donated by Ausley Construction, envision seating for up to 10,000 people, nearly doubling the current capacity. Concrete bleachers alone could cost $5 million per side.

Rendering by Ausley Construction of Booster Stadium.

Officials emphasized that fundraising would play a central role. “This would be funded through donations,” Tucker told the board, though he added that some district capital money might also be required.

Board members voiced support for the project’s potential but pressed for more details on costs, donor commitments and comparisons to similar facilities. Some questioned whether 10,000 seats are necessary, suggesting scaled-back options such as steel bleachers to lower expenses.

Community and county involvement

Supporters argued that an upgraded Booster Stadium could attract statewide athletic events, create a reliable venue for high school graduations and generate revenue through rentals, parking and concessions.

Board member Allison Campbell noted that the project would mark the district’s first revenue-generating facility.

“We also have to think about the cost savings,” she said, pointing out that Marion schools currently rent space at the World Equestrian Center and Southeast Livestock Pavilion for graduation ceremonies.

The board also discussed bringing in outside partners. Members said the City of Ocala and Marion County government could play a role, especially given the stadium’s potential to draw visitors and boost local tourism. Some suggested the county’s tourism development tax — collected on hotel stays — might be used to support construction or event hosting at the site.

The stadium’s future will depend on how much of the estimated $20 million cost can be covered by private donations, grants, sponsorships and potential government support. Officials said additional renderings and fundraising plans will come before the board in future meetings.