Ceremonies Tuesday at Callaway Stadium kicked off the estimated $2.5 million second phase of stadium renovations that are scheduled to be completed by the time football seasons start this year.

The second phase includes new concession stands and restrooms; a new locker room, training room and officials’ suite on the visitors’ side; converting the home side’s two locker rooms into one large locker room; and refurbishment of the stadium’s facade.

The first phase was press box renovations that were completed last summer for $70,000. Artificial turf and a Jumbotron scoreboard also were added in recent years.

The Callaway Foundation, which built the stadium in 1959, agreed to total financing of the first two phases and 50 percent financing of a potential third and final phase, estimated at $3 million to $4 million. LaGrange College, the Troup County school board and local governments would have to come up with the rest.

Whether the third phase gets done will depend on the state of the economy and availability of financing. It would include about 1,200 new seats and a two-story press box on the visitors’ side with an observation level for filming and entertaining VIPs. Aisles would be widened and handrails added, and accommodations for the handicapped would be upgraded.

Also in the third phase, the two entrance ways would be enclosed, wrought iron fencing added along Dallis Street and other new fencing erected around the stadium. Two restrooms would be added at the south end zone. The home and visitors’ sides would be reversed so the home side gets the better press box and locker rooms, more parking space, and the sun wouldn’t be shining in the home crowd’s faces.

“This day would not be happening without the Callaway Foundation,” County Commission Chairman Ricky Wolfe said at Tuesday’s ceremonies. “In these economic times, there’s no way the local government would be standing here putting out $2.5 million for this project.”

But he said the county will “do everything it can to make this a big, big success.”

Recreation director and assistant county manager Tod Tentler said he has “felt embarrassed” when visitors come to the stadium because of inadequate restroom and concession facilities.

“We’ve very pleased about the plans,” said Craig Garner, assistant athletics director at Troup High School. “I think there’s been a need for a long time for these upgrades. It makes the entire community shine. … I can’t wait to see the finished product.”

LaGrange High School head football head coach Steve Pardue said he’s excited for the whole community, noting that LaGrange College also plays football games at the stadium, and it’s used for soccer games and other events such as graduation exercises.

He said the facelift would give LaGrange an opportunity to host a Division III college football championship.

Joel Martin can be reached at jmartin@ lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 235.