Orange Beach Athletic Complex Moves Toward 2025 Completion

John Mullen • October 17, 2024

Superintendent reports steady progress on gym, fieldhouse, and pavilion

Orange Beach Athletic Complex Moves Toward 2025 Completion

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Work on the $42 million state-of-the-art Orange Beach Athletic Complex on Canal Road adjacent to the middle/ high school is progressing nicely in several phases, Superintendent Randy Wilkes said.

 

“The construction of the Orange Beach Athletic Complex is making great strides, and it’s exciting to see each component coming together,” Wilkes said. “From the gymnasium to the pavilion and grandstands, every detail is being carefully managed to ensure a top-notch facility for our students and community.”

 

Wilkes did an assessment of each component.

 

“Construction on the Orange Beach City School’s Athletic Complex is advancing rapidly, with significant developments across multiple facilities,” Wilkes said.

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

 

Gymnasium: The masonry walls and plumbing are nearing completion. The metal structure is up, and the installation of metal wall panels will begin in two weeks. Once finished, the gym will seat 1,212 people, 180 of whom will be comfortable chairback seats.

 

Fieldhouse: The first floor is nearly dried-in, with just the wrestling room ceiling left to pour. The wiring and ductwork are underway, and the second-floor slab will be completed shortly. The masons are scheduled to resume wall construction on Tuesday.

 

Pavilion: The steel for the 60-by-60-yard turf facility is on-site, and beam erection is set to begin this week. The structure will have a dramatic profile, with beams rising from 30 feet on the exterior to 60 feet at their highest point.

 

Restrooms: Both the north restrooms and south restrooms are making steady progress. The north restrooms have finished the footers and stem walls, and rough-in work is beginning. Meanwhile, the south restrooms have completed the footers, stem walls, and plumbing rough-in, with the slab pour scheduled this week.

 

Concession Stand and Ticket Building: The footers are poured, and wall construction will start soon.

 

Exterior Scoreboard: Steel beams and braces have been set beyond the southern endzone, and the scoreboard will feature a massive 40-by-50-foot display, promising an impressive focal point for spectators.

 

Grandstands: The footers for both home and visitor stands are complete. The next step is pouring the concrete columns on the visitor's side.

 

Sanitary Pump: The station has been installed on the site's eastern side.

Water Connection: Construction teams are connecting the main water source to the site this week, temporarily reducing William Silvers Parkway to one lane.

 

“We’re on track for a late July 2025 completion date, and I’m confident this complex will be a source of pride for Orange Beach for many years to come,” Wilkes said.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Foley Lands State Grant for New Industrial Park Development
By Guy Busby March 21, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving forward with plans for a new industrial park. The project aims to boost economic growth and create jobs in the area. The city plans to acquire a 121-acre parcel near Foley Beach Express, with nearly $3.33 million in state grants helping to cover the cost.
Kenny Chesney Brings Exclusive SiriusXM Concert To The Legendary Flora-Bama
By OBA Staff March 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Kenny Chesney is heading to one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved landmarks for a special occasion. The country music superstar will perform an exclusive live concert at the renowned Flora-Bama Lounge. The show aims to mark ten years of his SiriusXM channel, No Shoes Radio. SiriusXM recently
Orange Beach Surf Rescue Asks Community To Donate Life Jackets For Beach Safety Program
By R. Ken Cooper March 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach Surf Rescue is reaching out to the local community for help in maintaining a life-saving program. The team partners with the Sea Tow Foundation to keep its Life Jacket Loaner Program active. The program offers free life jackets to beachgoers at a loaner station near the water.
The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show Kicks Off Today in Orange Beach
By OBA Staff March 20, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf Boat & Yacht Show is returning to Orange Beach this spring. It is one of the Gulf Coast's largest annual marine events. More than $100 million worth of boats and gear will be displayed. Organizers describe it as "a show for everyone," from first-time buyers to experienced captains
Orange Beach Event Center
By OBA Staff March 19, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is officially moving to sell the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf, a city-owned venue that has hosted hundreds of conferences, banquets, and community events over the years. City leaders state this decision will free up funds and focus on developing new facilities that...
Foley Airport Opens Its Doors for the Second Annual Open House
By Guy Busby March 19, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley's municipal airport is opening its doors to the public again. The city of Foley and Lightning Aviation are hosting a second-annual open house at Holk Field. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the terminal and other parts of the facility. The event is expected to be a fun and...
Gulf Shores Conceptual Playground Replacement
By John Mullen March 19, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – In 2014, Gulf Shores did a study on its Kids Park playground in Sims Park and discovered its life expectancy was waning fast. The wooden structure was built with the guidance of playground company Leathers and Associates and a community effort in 1996.
Closed For Nearly Two Decades, Gulf Shores Bridge Set For New Life
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Years after closing an unsafe bridge in the neighborhood north of West Beach Boulevard, the city is moving forward with a plan to repurpose the bridge and the surrounding area. A traffic study years ago deemed the bridge “unnecessary” to traffic flow in the neighborhood and a later grant app
Baldwin County Sets Virtual Training Ahead of New Housing Assistance Program Launch
By OBA Staff March 18, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County is preparing to introduce a new housing initiative for residents. County officials have announced a virtual training session for lenders and realtors. The session will help these partners guide residents through the new program. The Homeownership Assistance Program is support
The 150-acre project would add housing north of the entertainment complex along the Foley Beach Exp
By John Mullen March 18, 2026
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – OWA Parks and Resort is seeking approval of a subdivision on 150 acres north of the complex as the beginning of “The Waters at OWA multi-family development,” according to city documents. The 150 acres are north of North OWA Boulevard and west of the Foley Beach Express. Developers there also want
Show More