Boosters solicit Thompson stadium donations online
Published 5:04 pm Tuesday, January 5, 2010
An Alabaster group looking to bring a multi-use sports complex to the city has set up a Paypal-based donation system on its Web site.
The Alabaster Sports and Entertainment Foundation formed in Nov. 2009 to raise money necessary to construct a sports and entertainment complex at Thompson High School’s Larry Simmons Stadium.
Once completed, the complex would be able to host Thompson football, track meets band competitions, soccer tournaments and other events.
Depending on the amount of development done at the complex, it will cost between $1.5 million and $3 million. The project will be funded by private donations, corporate sponsors and other private sources according to ASEF member Sharon Hayes.
To help raise funds to support the project, ASEF has established a Paypal donation system on its Web site, ASEF.biz. Donors can either make a one-time donation or subscribe to donate the same amount each month.
The first stage of the project will include an artificial turf field, a track and field surface up to state and national guidelines, new visitor-side bleachers, resurfaced home bleachers, a new press box on the home side of the field, new concession stands and work on other structures, like ticket booths and a field house.
“I think it’s a great project,” said Alabaster Ward 6 Councilman Scott Brakefield. “They have set up a Web site at ASEF.biz that gives the highlights of the project and gives you a way to donate through Paypal.”