MCKINNEY, TX Officials from McKinney ISD and the city of McKinney, Texas, gathered along with student and staff representatives from each of the district's three high schools officially break ground at the site of the new MISD Stadium and Event Center.

Located at the intersection of Hardin Boulevard and McKinney Ranch Parkway, the 12,000-seat stadium and community event center will replace the 54-year old Ron Poe Stadium as the district's primary venue for football, soccer, marching band and other competitive events for the next 50 years or more.

The project was approved by voters in May as part of a broad-ranging $220 million MISD bond proposal that, in addition to the stadium/event center, includes district-wide renovations, safety and security enhancements, campus technology upgrades and improvements to fine arts facilities.

The district's history of sound financial management has enabled it to pay off the bonds on a 20-year debt schedule while at the same time approving a 5 cent tax reduction earlier this year.

The new, modern facility will feature a community event center designed to accommodate a multitude of special events throughout the year such as districtwide professional development events, athletics and fine arts banquets, retirement banquets, high school reunions, the MISD Distinguished Student program and the district's Teacher of the Year dinner.

The MISD Stadium and Event Center will provide new opportunities and enhanced experiences for the students, parents and staff of MISD and the broader community.

Manhattan Construction Company is the construction manager on the new stadium and Stantec is the design firm.