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After turf delay, board committee to plan Friday-night home games at Lincoln University
Summary
Following a turf-field Phase 1 delay that could push construction into the athletic season, the athletics committee recommended planning for Friday-night home games at Lincoln University rather than Saturday games at Avon Grove; head football coach warned Saturdays would strain athletes, coaches and booster revenue.
The Oxford Area School District's athletics committee recommended at its May 19 meeting that the district pursue Lincoln University as the temporary home site for football and other fall competitions after hearing a construction update that delayed turf-field Phase 1 work to a projected July start with an October 2026 completion.
Head football coach Coach Means addressed the committee and argued strongly against accepting Saturday-night games at Avon Grove or playing the entire season on the road. He said Saturday games would reduce student rest days, increase coach workload and reduce booster-generated revenue from concessions, which he said are important to program support. "Playing Saturdays at Avon Grove... it hurts the program... our boosters, which makes a a good chunk of our money," he said.
Administration (Dr. Woods) told the committee that permitting, earthwork and weather create constraints for moving the project to a later start without increasing risk to the construction schedule and subsequent seasons. Officials explained Lincoln University would waive use fees in the amended proposal, while Avon Grove's plan required Saturday scheduling but included limited fee relief and continued booster-percentage considerations. Administrators said Lincoln will provide concessions, locker-room access and on-site staff to run lights and scoreboards; a walk-through would precede any first game there.
The athletics committee asked the athletic director to begin planning logistics for a move to Lincoln if needed, including transportation, staffing and concession arrangements. The committee emphasized that the turf project timeline remains the district's preferred plan and that using an alternate site is a contingency to avoid canceling home games.
Next steps: the committee will develop a schedule and cost estimates for Lincoln use; administration will confirm contractual terms with Lincoln's athletic director and report back to the full board and the finance office as planning progresses.
