Tolleson School Board Rejects $80M Domed Stadium for Cheaper Option

In a significant decision impacting the Tolleson Union High School District, a proposed $80 million domed football stadium was struck down by the district’s school board on Tuesday. The ambitious project, intended to be the first of its kind in Maricopa County, faced considerable opposition despite its intended benefits.

Jeremy Calles, the Superintendent of the district, had been a vocal advocate for the stadium, citing the intense Arizona heat as a primary reason for its construction. Calles emphasized the safety and comfort it would provide, stating, “It’s hot and it’s even hotter on turf. So, keeping our students in an air-conditioned environment, yes, to me, it’s much safer for them than having them play outside.”

The superintendent also argued that the facility would serve multiple purposes, including hosting events like convocation ceremonies. He highlighted cost savings for the district, noting that over $270,000 was spent last year to rent State Farm Stadium in Glendale for graduation events. With the new stadium, such expenses could be avoided in the future.

“We cannot vilify ideas,” Calles said, challenging perceptions about the project. He clarified that the proposed stadium would be more modest than iconic venues like the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, likening it instead to the Colorado River Union High School District’s $33 million covered stadium in Bullhead City.

However, the proposal faced strong criticism from both community members and lawmakers, who argued that the cost was excessive. The stadium has been a flashpoint in an ongoing dispute between Calles and House Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix), who supported a financial audit of the district’s finances.

Earlier in the month, Tolleson voters rejected bond and override measures, a result Calles attributed partly to media coverage of the audit. The contentious climate surrounding the project ultimately led the board to opt for a more economical, uncovered stadium.

Rep. Gress took to social media to express his approval of the board’s decision. He tweeted, “A WIN FOR TAXPAYERS!!!” following the board’s unanimous vote after a marathon 7.5-hour meeting.