Renovation Updates
Falls Church High School Renovation
Athletics Field Complex Renovation
The renovation to the Falls Church High School Athletics Field Complex is the next and final phase of the school renovations that were originally approved in 2009, and funded through the bond referendums in 2017 and 2021. The project scope includes a comprehensive renovation of all the school’s athletic fields which will improve usability, safety, access, and support current and future needs of the school’s athletics programs. The FCPS Facilities team has determined the most cost effective and time efficient approach to completing this project will be to close the athletic fields at Falls Church High School beginning in January 2026. A key benefit of this approach means that Falls Church High School will gain access to the newly renovated fields as soon as possible, beginning in the summer and extending into the fall of 2026.
Please view the Capital Improvements Projects website for more information.
Artist Renderings of Falls Church High School Renovation
Managing Impacts to FCHS Athletics Programs
Because this project will close all the fields at Falls Church High School, FCPS is working closely with the school to ensure impacts to spring sports programs are minimized. This includes any financial impacts that the closure may have on the school and its associated booster programs.
FCPS offices of Facilities, Athletics, and Transportation are working in coordination with the Superintendent and FCHS to understand the unique needs of each impacted sports program. In each case, they will develop a new practice and game schedule in coordination with teams, and will provide transportation and other support so that all spring sports can continue and students receive the sports season they deserve.
The bottom line, all spring athletics programs at FCHS will continue.
Six Essential Questions about the Renovation
1. Why must the entire area be closed off during the renovation?
To keep the project on schedule, safe, and cost-effective, FCPS is using one contractor to complete the full renovation from start to finish. This avoids extra bidding processes and helps the work move faster. Closing the entire area also ensures construction crews can access all parts of the site safely without putting students, staff, or families at risk.
2. What does this mean for spring athletics programs?
Because the fields will be under construction, spring sports teams will not be able to use the athletic complex this year. FCPS is working with FCHS athletic staff and teams, along with the FCPS offices of Facilities, Athletics, and Transportation to identify alternate practice and game locations so students can continue their seasons without disruption.
3. Can the stadium be used in the summer?
Unfortunately, no. Major upgrades are scheduled to take place over the summer months as part of a January to August 2026 construction timeline. But the FCPS Design and Construction team is working closely with the contractor so the stadium is ready for school use in the fall. The concession stand, ticket booth, restrooms, and storage areas will be finished last, and FCPS will coordinate with FCHS on any needs during that time.
4. How will this impact the school and campus?
It is anticipated this will have a very limited impact on day-to-day school operations. The athletic fields will be closed during the renovation, and families can expect some changes to parking and traffic flow. These details will be shared in advance so staff, students, and families can plan ahead.
5. How will you make sure the stadium is not delayed past the start of fall sports season?
Construction projects can face unexpected challenges, but the contractor is required to follow the approved schedule. The FCPS Design and Construction team will monitor progress closely, troubleshoot with the contractor, and make sure all parties are working toward the goal of reopening on time for the start of the fall sports season.
6. Why do the renovations need to happen during the school year?
Large-scale projects like this take more than a single summer to complete. By beginning in January, FPCS can make sure everything is finished in time for fall 2026. While this does mean some short-term inconvenience, it prevents delays that could affect multiple school years and allows students to return to modernized, upgraded facilities as quickly as possible.
Renovation Current Scope and Timeline
Timeline
The renovation of the Athletics Field Complex is slated to take about 9 months, running from January to early fall 2026. Fields will be completed in phases, which means the school will begin to gain access to newly renovated facilities beginning summer 2026.
Athletic Field Complex Current Project Scope
An overview of current scope is offered below to highlight amenities planned in the project:
Baseball Field
| New |
Existing/Remaining |
|---|---|
| Press Box |
Scoreboard (installed 2023) |
| Dugouts |
Field: Sod and Dirt |
| Light Poles |
Bleachers |
| Light Pole Heads & LED Lights |
Fencing |
| Lighting Controls |
Batting Cages |
| Asphalt Pavement (ADA Pathway) |
N/A |
| Irrigation System |
N/A |
Softball Field
| New |
Existing/Remaining |
|---|---|
| Orientation (Field Rotated 90 Degrees) |
N/A |
| Field (Skinned Infill & Sod) |
N/A |
| Press Box |
N/A |
| Restrooms |
N/A |
| Scoreboard |
N/A |
| Dugouts |
N/A |
| Bleachers |
N/A |
| Batting Cage |
N/A |
| Light Poles |
N/A |
| Light Pole Heads & LED Lights |
N/A |
| Lighting Controls |
N/A |
| Irrigation system |
N/A |
| Fencing Along Left and Right Field Lines; New Outfield Fence. |
N/A |
| Sidewalk |
N/A |
Stadium
| New |
Existing/Remaining |
|---|---|
| Stadium Plaza Entrance |
Synthetic Turf Field |
| Concession Stand |
Light Poles |
| Restrooms |
Track |
| Ticket Booth |
Bleachers |
| Field Equipment Storage |
Fencing |
| Pressbox |
Scoreboard |
| Light Pole Heads & LED Lights |
N/A |
| Lighting Controls |
N/A |
| ADA Pathway with Crosswalks from Main Building to Stadium |
N/A |
| ADA Access Pathway to Bleachers |
N/A |
Multi-Sport Practice Field
| New |
Existing/Remaining |
|---|---|
| Synthetic Turf Field |
Dugouts |
| Football and Soccer Goals (“H” style) |
Fencing |
| Light Poles |
N/A |
| Light Pole Heads & LED Lights |
N/A |
| Lighting Controls |
N/A |
Tennis Courts
| New |
Existing/Remaining |
|---|---|
| New Location (Six Courts) |
N/A |
| Court Fencing including Gates |
N/A |
| New Site Fencing Connecting Tennis Courts to Softball Field and Practice Field |
N/A |
| ADA Concrete Pathway from Main Building to Tennis Courts |
N/A |
| Court Accessories, Two Practice Walls |
N/A |
| Landscaping |
N/A |
Additional New Items
- New Parking Lot (134 Spots) with a New Storm Water Management Facility
- Two Refurbished Shot Put Areas
