Allegheny Valley plans for parking, seating at new turf field

As crews place the finishing touches on Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School’s new artificial turf field, district officials say they’re preparing to manage crowds during the Dynamos’ inaugural football season at the site.

According to Allegheny Valley School District spokeswoman Jan Zastawniak, the district will set aside several parking lots around the field to accommodate motorists.

The high school’s student lot, across the street from the new field, will serve as the main parking zone, according to Superintendent Patrick Graczyk.

Springdale students, however, will park in the rear of the building near the school’s D-wing and walk down Marion Avenue to access the field.

That rear lot will also serve as general overflow parking for spectators, Graczyk said.

A small amount of additional parking will also be available near the school’s entrance loop.

A reserved parking area near the intersection of Oakwood and Colfax streets will host team buses, sports officials and administrators, according to Zastawniak.

Though not yet constructed, Graczyk said, the district is working to set aside 8-10 handicapped spots in a grassy area next to the field’s entrance.

All told, about 230 spaces would be available for attendees, he said.

After Springdale Council passed an ordinance last month, parking on nearby streets will no longer be an option for spectators.

At the field, crews are working to relocate bleachers from various district properties to maximize seating capacity. In total, Zastawniak expects those stands to hold about 700 people.

But without a raised platform, spectators on the lower sections of the bleachers won’t be able to see over players on the sidelines, she said.

Smaller bleachers near the end zones will be set aside for the Springdale and visiting team’s bands and student sections.

If bleachers fill up, sporting events will be standing room only. Spectators won’t be allowed to bring lawn chairs to the field.

Sporting events in the district rarely approach attendance that would require extensive use of standing room, Zastawniak said.

The Dynamos’ home opener against the Avella Area Eagles is set for Sept. 5.