Costa Mesa council OKs funds for study of possible high school stadium plan upgrades

The Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved $25,000 toward a study of possible upgrades to Costa Mesa High School’s planned stadium.

The funds could help determine the feasibility of additional seating, restrooms and other amenities that parents, boosters, alumni and others have called for at the estimated $8.5-million Mustangs Field, which is under construction and expected to open by the fall football season.

The field, owned by the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, is being built for 1,000 patrons, though Councilwoman Katrina Foley and others are calling to double its capacity to 2,000.

Boosters also have asked for team rooms, which generally are private spaces for athletes and coaches that are separate from locker rooms.

Any feasibility study is subject to school board approval.

All the proposed additions to Mustangs Field could cost $1.7 million, a third of which — $570,000 — may be funded by Costa Mesa City Hall should the council approve the funds this summer when it finalizes the city’s budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

“We live in one of the wealthiest communities in the nation, and our educational facilities should reflect that wealth,” Foley said.

Costa Mesa High Principal Jacob Haley and football coach Glen Fisher support the stadium’s expansion, saying it would not just be used for sports but also for marching bands and graduation ceremonies.

“It means a lot to the young men and women who go to that facility, and with your help, they can be even better,” Fisher told the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer said that, based on conversations he has had with school board members, future expenses to improve Mustangs Field aren’t yet finalized at the district.

“I don’t see this as being some happy thing that will happen,” Righeimer said. “There is not an agreement here.”

Foley agreed but said there has been progress “in terms of having more collaborative communications on this issue.”