The School Board of Alachua County voted June 16 against a proposed agreement with the City of Gainesville that would have transferred land at Citizens Field to the district for the construction of a new athletic stadium.
According to School Board meeting documents, board members instead directed staff to return with additional stadium options for future consideration.
The proposed agreement outlined a partnership between the school board and the City of Gainesville for the construction, maintenance and use of a new stadium at the Citizens Field site.
Under the proposal, the city would transfer a portion of the property to the school board, which would oversee construction of a new stadium while the city would complete related infrastructure improvements, including parking, stormwater systems and access improvements.
What’s Happening
School Board records show the initial motion to approve the Citizens Field agreement failed on a 1-4 vote.
Board member Tina Certain voted in favor, while Leanetta McNealy, Sarah Rockwell, Thomas Vu and Janine Plavac voted against the proposal. A second motion to authorize the superintendent to renegotiate the agreement also failed. Board members ultimately approved a motion directing district staff to return with a presentation outlining additional stadium options. That motion passed 4-1.
According to the proposed interlocal agreement, the project called for a new stadium with seating for approximately 3,000 to 5,000 spectators, locker rooms, concessions, restrooms, lighting and parking improvements.
The estimated stadium construction cost was listed between $22 million and $25 million, with the school board responsible for stadium construction costs. The city would have been responsible for related infrastructure improvements and environmental remediation work.
Why It Matters for Local Families
Citizens Field has long served as a venue for high school football, graduations and community events in Gainesville. Decisions about the site’s future could affect student-athletes, families attending school events and residents who use the facility for community activities.
The proposed agreement also included provisions allowing community events, youth sports activities and city-sponsored programs at the stadium.
Key Details
- Proposed location: Citizens Field in Gainesville
- Proposed stadium capacity: 3,000 to 5,000 spectators
- Estimated stadium construction cost: $22 million to $25 million
- School board vote to approve agreement: Failed 1-4
- Board direction: Staff will return with additional stadium options for review
Families can expect the school board to review alternative proposals before making future decisions about the long-term future of Citizens Field.
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