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A new state-of-the-art press box is being built on Escambia Academy’s Bachelor Field.

The new press box is being built on the opposite side, adjacent to the football team’s field house. After many years being on the Cowpen Road side of the field, EA will be switching sides for home games.

EA board member and project manager Clint Barlow said the reason why a press box is being built is because of the view and the look of the old press box.

“How many times have you sat on that side and can’t see in the afternoon?” Barlow said. “The press box doesn’t look good. We’re going to put a state of the art press box where if we have other commentators from the other teams, we’ll have enough room in there for the other coaches as well.

“They can be in there and watch the game,” he said. “We’re redoing the bleachers, and we’re hoping to have the home side done this year. Next year, we’ll have new bleachers on the visitors’ side.”

The outer portions of the former home side bleachers have been torn down, but a big section remains for visiting fans to come and watch games.

Barlow said aluminum bleachers will be installed on the new home side, and will seat approximately 300 people.

“Next year, the other side will be completed,” he said. “We’re looking at a capital expenditure.”

Barlow said the school has received a lot of donations and held fundraisers to help pay for the project.

Barlow said the asphalt, recently poured from Cowpen Road to the field house, was donated by Mobile Asphalt. Additionally, P&R Mining hauled the asphalt in, he said.

“Everything you see here has been donated,” he said. “Deep Well Drilling, they came up here and tore the old bleachers down. Hooper Matthews provided a dump truck to haul the material away.”

Barlow said the school is hoping to have the press box completed by the first home game, Sept. 6.