Work on the $42 million state-of-the-art Orange Beach Athletic Complex on Canal Road adjacent to the middle/ high school is progressing nicely in several phases, Superintendent Randy Wilkes said.

“The construction of the Orange Beach Athletic Complex is making great strides, and it’s exciting to see each component coming together,” Wilkes said. “From the gymnasium to the pavilion and grandstands, every detail is being carefully managed to ensure a top-notch facility for our students and community.”

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Wilkes did an assessment of each component.

“Construction on the Orange Beach City School’s Athletic Complex is advancing rapidly, with significant developments across multiple facilities,” Wilkes said.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Gymnasium: The masonry walls and plumbing are nearing completion. The metal structure is up, and the installation of metal wall panels will begin in two weeks. Once finished, the gym will seat 1,212 people, 180 of whom will be comfortable chairback seats.

Fieldhouse: The first floor is nearly dried-in, with just the wrestling room ceiling left to pour. The wiring and ductwork are underway, and the second-floor slab will be completed shortly. The masons are scheduled to resume wall construction on Tuesday.

Pavilion: The steel for the 60-by-60-yard turf facility is on-site, and beam erection is set to begin this week. The structure will have a dramatic profile, with beams rising from 30 feet on the exterior to 60 feet at their highest point.

Restrooms: Both the north restrooms and south restrooms are making steady progress. The north restrooms have finished the footers and stem walls, and rough-in work is beginning. Meanwhile, the south restrooms have completed the footers, stem walls, and plumbing rough-in, with the slab pour scheduled this week.

Concession Stand and Ticket Building: The footers are poured, and wall construction will start soon.

Exterior Scoreboard: Steel beams and braces have been set beyond the southern endzone, and the scoreboard will feature a massive 40-by-50-foot display, promising an impressive focal point for spectators.

Grandstands: The footers for both home and visitor stands are complete. The next step is pouring the concrete columns on the visitor's side.

Sanitary Pump: The station has been installed on the site's eastern side.

Water Connection: Construction teams are connecting the main water source to the site this week, temporarily reducing William Silvers Parkway to one lane.

“We’re on track for a late July 2025 completion date, and I’m confident this complex will be a source of pride for Orange Beach for many years to come,” Wilkes said.