West Charlotte High to break ground on new track, football field Thursday

A groundbreaking ceremony for West Charlotte High’s new track and football field is Thursday at 10 a.m.

The Carolina Panthers, Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Project L.I.F.T. will team up for a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate construction of West Charlotte High School’s new football field and athletics track. The $2.1 million project is being funded in part by a $200,000 NFL Grassroots field grant from the Carolina Panthers.

The new synthetic football field will be ready for the 2016 high school football season. The field will provide new opportunities for community use serving youth athletic organizations and other community programming.

“The Carolina Panthers are pleased to assist Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Project L.I.F.T. in providing new resources that will serve both West Charlotte High School and the broader community,” said Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers director of community relations. “The new field will provide West Charlotte High School with increased flexibility for its athletic programs and a safe and more durable playing surface.”

“CMS is grateful to the NFL, the Panthers organization, as well as the Board of County Commissioners for this amazing contribution to West Charlotte High School and the community at large,” said Ann Clark, CMS Superintendent. “This is a gift that will provide long term benefits and demonstrates the value of community partnerships.”gues

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 9:59 PM with the headline "West Charlotte High to break ground on new track, football field Thursday."