Frank Bates Field just got some shiny new features.

Renovations to the field area were conducted from February through August of 2015, but this was only the most recent in a series of changes to the field area over the past decade. The last major change was the addition of new bleachers and the artificial turf practice field.

The most recent renovations focused on the press box’s exterior. The windows were replaced and siding was added. However the most noticeable change was the new lettering which reads “Iowa City High School Frank Bates Field.”

The press box now matches the Sangster alumni building next door after the addition of the siding, which changed the building from white to red. Additionally the visitors concessions stands were painted red to match the other two buildings.

City High Athletic Director Terry Coleman said what he appreciates most about the new look is its consistency.

“It matches and I think more than anything if you go down there now, you’ll see a consistency between all of our facilities,” he said.

The last major renovation to the press box area was five years ago when the concessions stand was moved in order to expand the men’s and women’s bathrooms, as well as improve their quality.

“The improved restrooms needed to be done tremendously because before they were so bad,” head football coach Dan Sabers said.

The cost of this recent renovation was $160,000, and according to Coleman this renovation was absolutely necessary.

“It absolutely had to be done and could not wait,” Coleman said.

Prior to the renovation the press box had leaks which were causing damage to the walls and counters. There were also pieces falling off of the building on the outside. These issues have been remedied by the new siding and windows.

Coleman said the recent renovation has improved the quality of the school and this benefits everyone who uses the field.

“It really gives our football players, track team, marching band, and anybody else who uses the facilities a real strong sense of being in a quality place,” he said.

Although many of the issues with the facilities around field have been fixed, there are still problem areas with the interior which are awaiting repair. For example, the carpet is from 1979 and needs to be replaced.

There are still leaks which are causing further damage to the interior. The building has no heating, which poses a problem for the building’s occupants and the building itself during fall football games and cold track meets.

“Some of the interior needs some work now, and it’s on the district’s list, but it’s a little further down than a few other things,” Coleman stated.

There are plans to do some remodeling in the press box by moving some of the walls around, which would create a new layout for the building. There are also plans to build a team room as well install a video board. These projects are awaiting funding and are lower down on the district’s list of priorities.

“Let’s face it: we have a beautiful campus here, and we want to make sure we keep it looking beautiful. It’s a beautiful school and we’re not doing our job if we’re not working hard to keep it beautiful,” Sabers said.