Demolition work is already underway at the existing facility, marking the start of a project made possible through Measure P, which was approved by voters in 2024.
Principal Jenna Chavez said the project has been years in the making.
"It's really, really exciting," Chavez said.
To allow construction to move forward, Parlier High's football team will spend the entire season on the road, with all games scheduled away from home. While that creates additional travel for athletes and coaches, Chavez says long-term it will benefit countless students.
"I mean, it's also going to not just serve as a football stadium, but our marching band gets to use it, our soccer team gets to use it, cheerleading gets to use it," she said.
The project includes several significant upgrades. The stadium will feature a new scoreboard, improved lighting and new signage along Fig Avenue. Natural grass will be replaced with artificial turf, while the current dirt track will be transformed into a nine-lane all-weather track.
Seating capacity will also more than double, creating room for larger crowds at sporting events and school activities.
Chavez said one of the biggest impacts may come during graduation ceremonies, where attendance has had to be limited in previous years because of space constraints.
District leaders also plan to keep the track open to the community during evening hours, allowing residents to use the facility for exercise and recreation.
Superintendent Dr. Rafael Iniguez said that community access is fitting because local voters helped make the project possible through Measure P.
"When we're saying we believe in you, we're also saying we invest in you," Iniguez said. "We're also saying we deserve to have facilities like the rest of the cities."
The district looked to other Central Valley campuses, including Matilda Torres High School in Madera, for inspiration during the design process.
While the project was briefly delayed, Iniguez said the district ultimately benefited after seeking a second round of bids.
"When we went out to bid for a second time, the cost estimates came back more favorable to the district," Iniguez said. "To the point where we saved $4 million with the same scope, the same design."
Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with completion targeted for September of that year.
Even as the district looks ahead, school leaders are taking steps to honor the program's history. Former athletes, coaches and community members were invited to sign a commemorative football helmet that will be displayed in the new stadium.
"It's a symbol of those who have walked before us and paved the way for greatness and traditions to still continue with the new stadium," Chavez said.
A community groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Parlier High School and will include current and former Panthers as construction officially gets underway.
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