Thursday, May 16, 2024
While McKamey Stadium is best known for hosting Gatesville Independent School District sporting events, it will have a chance to host a rare occurrence on April 8, 2024, as a total eclipse blankets the area.
"Central Texas is one of the best places as far as seeing the eclipse in all its grandeur," said GISD Superintendent Barrett Pollard. "I would rather be over prepared and not taken off guard. There will be no school that day for students because streets could be clogged with visitors. It will be a staff development day."
Pollard said GISD will have a chance to reap financial rewards from the eclipse.
"We are considering fundraising opportunities," he said. "We wanted to take advantage of the fundraising nature of it. We have a new sound system (at McKamey Stadium) and we could play music while it's going on. We might be able to make some money if people are coming from out of town.
"All the hotels are booked already for $600 a night, and it's $1,000 a night for a B&B (bed and breakfast) with a three-day minimum. We want to make sure we're prepared. Not having the kids here is a nice safety thing. We might also tell most of the staff to stay home. Hopefully as the months go by, we'll flesh more of this out."
Pollard said in addition to charging admission to McKamey Stadium, visitors will have access to plentiful parking, restrooms and concession stands.
"Utilizing the stadium could make some money," he said. "It will also help control traffic."
The GISD Board of Trustees voted in favor of Pollard's plan to use the stadium and sell tickets as a fundraiser for the school district.
