Plan to demolish Thorne Stadium; play in Spring for 2 years
ALDINE – Plans are underway for Aldine ISD to replace Thorne Stadium and build a new state-of-the-art facility that will open in August 2024. Thorne Stadium opened in 1979.
This news means that Aldine ISD football teams, bands, drill teams, and cheer squads will call George Stadium in Spring ISD home for the next two years. Spring ISD has partnered with Aldine ISD’s varsity football teams to play their home games at George Stadium.
“We know this news could be surprising to some of our students and families who have called Thorne home, but our new facility will be a place we will all be proud of in just a couple of years,” said Dre Thompson Aldine ISD’s Executive Director of Athletics. “I thank our neighbors for working with us to make this possible. Playing our home games in Spring will be a small challenge for all of us, but we will embrace providing our student-athletes, performing arts students, and this community the experience they deserve. It doesn’t matter where we play. It matters how we play!”
Earlier this year, Aldine ISD utilized a third party, Texas Sports & Civil Engineering, to evaluate the stadium. Texas Sports & Civil Engineering recommend two options for the district. One was a repair option, and the other was a replacement option. The district opted for the replacement option, which will include a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance both the student and community experience and will consist of a new press box, concession stands, restrooms, a new football field, concrete bleachers, and platforms. The new stadium will also have a front entrance on the West Side of the stadium.
At a June 14 meeting, Aldine ISD Trustees approved the use of $25 million in the fiscal year 2022 and $25 million in the fiscal year 2023 to cover the cost of replacing Thorne Stadium.
“I am super excited that we will be able to provide this gift of a showplace for our community and our students,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Thorne Stadium served this community for 43 years, and it holds so many special memories for our community. As a host site for many events, it is our goal and responsibility to be proactive in ensuring that the venue in which we welcome people to spend their time meets, if not exceeds, basic safety standards. We can all agree that in addition to a high-quality education, ensuring the health and safety of anyone on district property is a top priority.”
The Athletic Department and Performing Arts Department are communicating with student-athletes and performing arts students’ families to inform them of the change for the next two seasons and how they are directly impacted.