Following the removal of the old playing surface, creating a new rock foundation and the addition of rubber padding, the new artificial turf at Gordon Wood Stadium was being put in place Monday morning.

Installation of the new turf is expected to continue throughout the week. Upon completion, the turf will have to sit and settle for two weeks before it is ready for use, according to Brownwood High School head football coach and athletic director Sammy Burnett.

The previous surface made its debut at Gordon Wood Stadium in 2016.

Later this summer, installation will begin on brighter LED lights that will replace those that have illuminated the playing surface at Gordon Wood Stadium for more than 20 years.

The rest of the stadium renovations – ADA/code improvements (ramp access, aisles and stairs renovated for code compliance, ADA parking), new concessions and restrooms, home bleacher addition of 1,000 seats, and a new press box with elevator – will begin after the conclusion of the 2024 Lions’ football regular season.

Last week, demolition took place on the bleachers, concession stand, press box and restrooms at Morris Southall Field, home of the Lions baseball team, while the outfield fence and lights have been removed at Lady Lion Field, home of Brownwood softball.

Both fields will receive new fencing and new lights, along with artificial turf, while the baseball field will also feature new bleachers, dugouts, a backstop, and a canopy over batting cages. A parking lot will also be built between the two fields with an entrance from Magnolia Avenue. The projects are expected to be completed before the start of the 2025 seasons.

The renovations are part of a $59 million bond that was passed by Brownwood voters in May 2023.