CINCINNATI — Purcell Marian High School plans to break ground later this year on a new stadium behind the school, according to athletic director and head football coach D.J. Dowdy.
Dowdy said he hopes the stadium will be completed by fall 2023.
"We're still in the very early stages of this whole plan," Dowdy said. "Obviously we've acquired two buildings (behind the school). We've acquired the funeral home, and we've acquired the residence behind the funeral home."
The stadium, known as the "Cavalier Project" would become the home venue for the football and soccer teams. Plans for the stadium do not include a track.
Plans include fan seating on one side. The school said it's too early to decide on name considerations at this point.
Funding for the project has been independent of any school fundraising efforts, Dowdy said. The school has not had a capital campaign.
"'Project Cavalier' is still in the preliminary stages," said Steven Bohné, Purcell Marian's marketing and communications director.
"Purchasing the properties at 2926 Woodburn Ave. and 1619 De Sales Lane was the first step. We are now in the facility design process. Funding and stadium plans will be announced later this year."
Dowdy said the school continues to work with the architect on design plans.
"It's good for the school," Dowdy said.
"Our kids are going to benefit tremendously from this having a place that they now call home. All of our outdoor sports are played off site. The ability to rein that in and give a place for our kids and our future kids to have a place to call home – somewhere to take pride in – it's going to increase our campus, so to say, and our stance in this very booming and developing East Walnut Hills area."
Purcell Marian, a Division V football program, played its 2020 home football games at Norwood High School's Shea Stadium.
Purcell Marian played home football games at Walnut Hills High School's Marx Stadium from 2017-19.
Prior to that, the Cavaliers played home games at venues that included the University of Cincinnati's Sheakley Athletics Center and at Norwood's Shea Stadium over the years.
Purcell Marian (previously Purcell High School) has played varsity football since at least 1931, according to school records.
Purcell High School was founded in 1928 and merged with Marian High School to become Purcell Marian for the 1981-1982 school year, according to Bohné.
