WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — McConnell-Talbert Stadium, a longtime hub for high school sports and community events in Houston County, has completed the first phase of a $6.8 million renovation project to modernize the facility while preserving its historic character.
The renovations, finished earlier this month, include new bleachers on both the home and away sides, the addition of a brick wall around the stadium, and new concrete sidewalks under the stands. This phase also includes a new rubber track and updated shot put and discus areas.
Assistant Superintendent Chris Brown highlighted the need for these upgrades, particularly the new sidewalks.
“Over time, you have ground that shifts, and so the sidewalks were uneven and cracked,” Brown said. “We wanted to provide a better walkway for our patrons.”
Brown also said he's received positive feedback from the community about the new brick wall surrounding the stadium.
“People that come here have been wowed,” he said. “You wouldn’t think adding something like a brick wall would add so much to the aesthetic, but it really does. It adds a lot and makes it look more modern but also keeps that history here that we have at McConnell-Talbert.”
Brown said he was excited about the updates, especially considering how important the stadium is to Warner Robins and the broader community.
“I think it’s awesome,” Brown said. “This is a beautiful stadium. It’s been a focal point of Warner Robins for a very long time, and to be able to modernize it with the brick wall, with the updated track, and the better sidewalk for our patrons; I just think it’s an awesome investment into our community.”
Phase two of the renovations is scheduled to begin after the upcoming football season and will include replacing the fieldhouse and making additional improvements to the stadium along with a back parking lot behind the east endzone.
Brown said there are more stadium projects to look forward to as the county grows. The baseball and softball complexes throughout the district plan to be renovated to have turf fields instead of the natural grass and dirt fields.