Stadium upgrades include an all-weather track, turf improvements and new press box. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – “It’s a great day to be at Grant Union High School,” said Christine Jefferson, Twin Rivers Unified Board President. “It’s a great day to be a Pacer.”

On Friday, Aug. 14, just days prior to the start of the new school year, Grant Union High School’s football stadium turf and track replacement project was unveiled to student-athletes, district staff and city leaders including Mayor of Sacramento Kevin McCarty and District 2 Council Member Roger Dickinson.

The high school’s athletes showed up loud and proud for the grand opening with an opening performance by the Grant Union High School drumline and Pacerettes dance team.

Stadium upgrades include an all-weather track, turf improvements and new press box.

“This is something new something amazing for us,” said ASB President Rihanna Zarazua. “I’m really excited for the football season. I know it’ll be great, especially with the new stadium.

Zarazua said she is also looking forward to spectating other sports that utilize the field such as flag football.

Grant Union High School's football stadium, William Rutherford Memorial Stadium, was officially dedicated on Oct. 18, 1940. There were additional facility updates in 2005 and 2022.

The latest upgrades to modernize the stadium came through a $14 million multi-school stadium imitative. Rio Linda High School and Foothill High School are also among the schools to receive upgrades.

“We’re standing on the place where a whole lot of brand-new students are about to find out exactly what they’re made of,” said Twin Rivers Superintendent Dr. Tu Moua Carroz. “Students will compete here. Families will pack these stands, and, years from now some of these kids will be grown telling their own children about a night that happened on this exact field.”

Grant Union’s current principal, Darris Hinson is a 1988 alumnus of the school. Hinson himself played football on that same field, as well as his sons. Hinson strongly believes in the impact a high school and its athletics program can have on the community.

Principal Darris Hinson speaks at ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District. 

“When you look around this community, Grant Union High School is the primary resource,” Hinson said during ceremony remarks.

The school carries an almost 100-year legacy in the community.

“To have the kind of greatness that comes out of a place like this, it’s a reflection of the grit and the internal nature of the people that make up this community,” Hinson said.

The principal is looking forward to watching the Grant Union High School Pacers thrive in their new stadium this season.

“I know we’re gonna have a great season. Let’s get it.”