LCA finishes construction, cuts ribbon on new football complex

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Just 10 months after breaking ground, Liberty Christian Academy unveiled its brand new turf football field before hundreds of students and supporters.

The stadium, which had an initial price tag of $8 million, features LED lighting, seating for more than 4,000 fans, and a turf surface ready for the grittiest of gridiron action.

In addition, the complex also has a full track for competition, concession stands, and restrooms on both sides of the field.

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Thursday's ribbon cutting featured many dignitaries, including Liberty University Chancellor Jonathan Falwell, who reminisced about his days in the early 80s as a player on the L.C.A. baseball team, and the struggles fans and players went through just to compete.

"People had to stand around on the outside. They parked cars, they could sit on top of cars," noted Falwell. "Now we sit here, we see a soccer stadium, a football stadium. And all of it is amazing, let us never take it for granted."

Last-minute work is being completed late Thursday on the home stands to add additional seating, work that LCA Athletic Director Frank Rocco stressed will be completed in time for the Bulldogs' home opener on Friday -- our ABC13 Football Friday 'Game of the Week' -- when L.C.A. hosts Franklin County Friday night at 7 p.m.