XENIA — The first phase of the construction project at Doug Adams Stadium began with the demolition of bleachers and removal of lights on Monday.

The XCS Board of Education approved plans for the two-phase renovation process of the facility in December 2022.

The first phase will create new seating on both sides of the field with ADA-compliant options. The home and away fan sides will be flipped so the home sections are on the west side of the field and the visitors will be located on the east side. Both sides are expected to increase capacity by 500 seats, up to 4,000 for the home side and 2,000 for the visitors.

A new press box structure will be created at the top of the home section that includes an open observation deck, and four energy-efficient LED lighting poles will be put in to replace the six currently standing.

The grandstands and lights were originally installed in the 1950s.

Phase two is set to take place in 2024 and will focus on creating a new field house for locker rooms, as well as new concession stands, public restrooms and more than 100 additional parking spaces as near the stadium.

“I truly believe that we are creating a facility that will support the growth and development of our student-athletes, as well as one that this community can be proud of,” Superintendent Dr. Gabe Lofton said.

Athletes at the stadium are expected to use temporary mobile units during competitions at the facility during the 2023-24 calendar year, according to district officials.

The turf field and track surface wrapping around it which were installed in 2015 and 2017, respectively, are not involved in the upcoming renovations.

Phase one is planned to be completed prior to the beginning of the 2023 fall athletic season with no disruptions to events.

Initial estimates for the cost of the project were set to be no more than $3 million.