Norwin school officials will learn next month whether the extensive renovations planned for the Knights Stadium will cost the estimated $24.8 million, or even more, when bids for the project are opened on April 8.

The school board in January had decided to proceed with an option presented by its architect, DRAW Collective of Mt. Lebanon, that was more expensive than an alternative was pr0jected to cost closer to $16 million.

Both options involved demolishing the home side grandstands and press box and install new seating and press box, along with new turf and running track. There is to be space for athletic training underneath the bleachers, making the visitors grandstand more accessible for those with disabilities, improvements to the concession stand and restrooms. The press box will include space for coaches and media, as well as an area for a community multi-purpose room.

Three of the nine board members favored a less expensive project, while maintaining seating capacity to about 2,400 seats. The press box and some amenities would have been scaled back with the less expensive project.

The district was told in November 2024 that the project could cost around $25 million when it gave the architect the approval to create specifications for the project. The board had studies conducted in recent years that found the grandstand was showing signs of deterioration.

Construction is to begin once football season is complete in November, and is scheduled to be finished by the end of June 2027. That would mean the Norwin football team would have to play the entire 2026 season with no home games.

Had the board opted for a less expensive project, DRAW Collective said the project would have been delayed a year to allow the design of the project specifications.

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