Above: A rendering shows the planned Lyon College Bad Boy Mowers football stadium on the Batesville campus, scheduled to open for the 2025 football season. The facility will include seating for 600 fans, a regulation playing field, a press box, a scoreboard, concessions, and restrooms, with plans for future expansion.
Lyon College will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new football stadium on Friday, Jan. 31, at 12 p.m. at the Lyon College football complex, 2300 Highland Rd., in Batesville.
The stadium, a new addition to the campus, is set to open in time for the Scots’ first home game of the 2025 season on Sept. 13, the college said in a news release.
Initially, the stadium will include a regulation-size playing field, a press box, seating for 600 fans, a digital scoreboard, concessions, and restroom facilities.
Designed as a hub of activity for both the campus and the community, the facility will feature modern amenities and sustainable construction practices, the release said.
“This stadium represents an important step forward for Lyon College’s future,” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College. “It will not only enhance our football program but also create a sense of unity and pride among our students, alumni, and the Batesville community.”
Lyon said the project is made possible through community and corporate partnerships. Bad Boy Mowers, headquartered in Batesville, has secured the naming rights for the stadium. Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials of Batesville has committed to naming the playing field.
The Bank of Cave City, First Community Bank, and Merchants and Planters Bank have also made contributions to the stadium project
Local firm FARCO will oversee the construction.
“This facility will provide an exceptional experience for both our players and fans,” said Kevin Jenkins, director of athletics at Lyon College. “It’s a critical development for our program that will also strengthen our community ties and ability to attract talented athletes.”
Head football coach Chris Douglas shared his perspective: “This stadium will be a game-changer for our team, giving our student-athletes a top-notch place to train and compete. It’s also going to bring our fans closer to the action and boost our recruiting efforts significantly.”
Fundraising efforts for the $2.5 million project are ongoing, with $1.5 million raised to date.
Future plans for phase 2 of the stadium include expanded home seating to accommodate larger crowds, visitor stands to enhance the fan experience, a dedicated visiting team locker room, and a grand entry plaza designed to create an inviting and memorable arrival for guests. The plaza will also serve as a vibrant space for campus and community events, making it a hub of activity beyond game days, the release said.
“This project is an investment in the long-term success of Lyon College Athletics,” said Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement. “We’re deeply appreciative of the support we’ve received so far and invite others to help us bring this vision to life.”
Image: Lyon College Athletics
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