McALLEN – As the first phase of renovations nears completion, the McAllen Independent School District and the City of McAllen will give a sneak peek at the exciting upgrades the community will enjoy when high school football season begins.

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees can come out and show their support for student athletes taking part in the parade of athletes as well as bands from all three high schools. Women are not allowed to wear spiked heels but are encouraged to wear flats or wedges. Street shoes are permitted for men. No gum or food is permitted on the field. Visitors will also gain exclusive access to the field and selfies are encouraged.

The $4,705,000 project was paid for through a city/school partnership in which the city commission pledged $3 million from sales taxes and the school district pitched in $2 million to complete the stadium makeover.

The first phase of a multiple phase renovation to the district’s primary athletic facility includes: new public restrooms, concession areas and domestic water infrastructure, re-sealing of the existing seating areas, addition of new handicapped accessible seating areas, improved field lighting, monumental fencing, new field turf, and other improvements.

Who: McAllen Independent School District/ City of McAllen officials

What: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium Sneak Peek

When: 8:30- 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19

Where: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium east side (visitor's) bleachers.

Why: McAllen ISD and the City of McAllen have combined funds to renovate the 39-year old stadium.