Bellevue Approves $8.4 Million Upgrade for Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium
Bellevue, Kentucky, is gearing up for exciting changes as school officials have approved an investment of $8.4 million for significant renovations at Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium. The decision took place at a school board meeting on Wednesday night.
The project will be financed through bonds, and construction will begin shortly. A highlight of the upgrades includes the installation of synthetic turf at Leo Gilligan Field, which has been in use by the Bellevue football teams since 1936. The Motz Group from Ohio will handle this portion of the project.
Additionally, the facilities will see improvements made by Perkins Carmack Construction, also from Ohio. Planned enhancements for the 88-year-old stadium include a new rubberized track, renovation of the tennis courts, and the creation of a brand new concession stand complete with restrooms.
The gym, which has stood for 52 years, will also receive a makeover, as its locker rooms, lobby, and public restrooms are set to be upgraded. Bellevue superintendent Misty Middleton commented, “It’s way overdue. One of the things I’ve heard consistently is why can’t we have nicer facilities.” She praised the board for stepping up to fund the project, which is expected to be completed by August 2025.
Current home games for Bellevue football teams are hosted at the civic stadium, where players have enjoyed unforgettable moments under the lights for decades. Athletic director Jim Hicks expressed his excitement about the changes, noting, “The track has been in bad shape for a long time, and we’re the last grass field in Northern Kentucky.” He added that the view from the new stadium, overlooking the Cincinnati skyline, will be truly spectacular on Friday nights.
This year, Bellevue and Dayton are the only local teams still playing on natural grass fields. Dayton is also moving forward with plans for a new synthetic turf field and field house, set for completion by the start of the 2025 football season.
