Orange Beach Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Athletic Complex

R. Ken Cooper • November 7, 2023

New Era in Sports: Orange Beach Begins Construction of State-of-the-Art Athletic Facilities

Orange Beach City Schools Sports Complex Ground Breaking

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The future of sports and wellness in Orange Beach took a significant leap forward today as community members, students, and city officials gathered to break ground on the new state-of-the-art athletic complex at Orange Beach Middle and High School.


There was a lot of excitement as the community turned out in force to witness the ceremonial turning of the soil, marking the beginning of a project that promises to enhance the athletic and educational landscape of the city. The groundbreaking event, characterized by a spirit of unity and anticipation, underscores the community's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for its youth and athletes.


The new complex, which boasts a comprehensive suite of facilities including a 1,200-seat gymnasium, a multi-sport pavilion, and a cutting-edge Kinesiology and Exercise Science Building, is poised to become a hub of athletic and academic activity. With additional features like a track, soccer/football fields with grandstands, and various support facilities, the complex is designed to serve the needs of all students and the wider community.


The gymnasium will not only host sporting events but will also serve as a versatile space for academic and co-curricular activities. The Kinesiology and Exercise Science Building will open doors for students interested in health sciences, offering hands-on learning experiences in a state-of-the-art environment. The track and fields will provide much-needed facilities for physical education and competitive meets, while the stadium's grandstands, set to accommodate 3,500 spectators, will become a new gathering place for the community.


The project, which is scheduled for completion in May 2025, represents a significant investment in the community's future. It is expected to attract visitors, boost the local economy, and most importantly, provide a world-class facility for the development of the city's youth.


There are more details in a previous article we published titled:
Orange Beach Schools to Build State-of-the-Art Athletic Complex

Share this article w/ Friends...

Ribbon Cutting for Young's Hideaway Glamping - Photo by Marc Anderson
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach officials and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of a new glamping site named "Young's Hideaway" in honor of longtime residents Cecil and Jesse Young. The project adds a unique accommodation option to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks Opening of New Boat Ramp in Bon Secour
By OBA Staff April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – A new public boat ramp on County Road 6 in Bon Secour was officially opened today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship.
Surf Fishing Clinic for Kids
By R. Ken Cooper April 25, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Young anglers will have the chance to cast their lines and learn from local experts at the Gulf State Park Kids Surf Fishing Clinic this summer.
Pensacola Man Arrested After Break-In in Foley
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – At around 2:45 a.m., Foley police responded to a burglary call on State Highway 59. Officers found a man inside the business and apprehended him. The suspect, 52-year-old Patrick Odell Levens from Pensacola, Florida, had used a power tool to cut a hole in the back wall to get inside.
Perdido Beach Resort Backs Orange Beach Schools with Major Gift
By OBA Staff April 24, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools and the Mako Academics, Arts, and Athletics Club have announced a major new sponsor. Perdido Beach Resort pledged to be a Diamond Level Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Good Life Ride at Gulf State Park
By R. Ken Cooper April 24, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The popular Good Life Ride cycling event is set to return to Gulf State Park on May 10, 2025. The annual event, which attracts cycling enthusiasts from across the Southeast, will feature multiple route options designed to showcase the natural beauty of Alabama's coastal region.
Major Drainage Overhaul Taking Place on West Peachtree Avenue
By Guy Busby April 24, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Travel on West Peachtree Avenue will soon be smoother after the Foley City Council approved road repairs. The council voted to fix the road near Foley Airport last week. Jeff Phillips, the city construction projects manager, explained that collapsed metal storm drainage pipes buried alongside the road had damaged the street.
Orange Beach Schools Names Laatsch as Assistant Athletic Director
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach City Schools has appointed Chris Laatsch as their new Assistant Athletic Director. The announcement came Wednesday as school officials welcomed the veteran coach to his expanded role within the athletics program.
Mystery Urn Washes Ashore in Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo Hosts Summer Zoo Camp for Kids
By OBA Staff April 23, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is inviting kids to experience a summer of adventure through its 2025 Zoo Camp program. The camp will give young animal lovers a hands-on opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Show More