Marion Prepares to Say Goodbye to Thomas Park Field

If you played football for Marion, you played your home games at Thomas Park Field. The complex has been the host field for Marion's home games since 1936. But a new home field for the Marion Wolves will soon be built, ending 85 years of tradition.

Last week the Marion Independent School District approved the construction of the $6.4 million Marion Stadium project, according to KCRG. The project will be done by Larson Construction and will move the football field onto the high school grounds. Groundbreaking is scheduled for March.

The field at Thomas Park was one of many structures that suffered damage following the 2020 derecho. Marion Superintendent Janelle Brouwer told KCRG that some repairs were made to hold last fall's football season there, and the spring track and field season will also be held at Thomas Park. The press box was completely destroyed. A temporary building was put up, but it isn't something the district wants to use long term. Prior to the derecho, the field faced necessary upgrades to restrooms, the concession area, and parking.

The scheduled completion date for the new Marion football field is November 1st, meaning the football team will begin the season not being able to play at home, according to KCRG. The district is hoping to get in a few home games after the stadium is finished, but is looking for other locations to play at. Linn-Mar, who has opened their stadium to the Wolves before, would be one option.

Marion school officials say they hope to bring some of the traditions of the old Thomas Park to the new stadium this fall.