Hershey High School will soon have a permanent stadium to call its own.

The Derry Township School District (DTSD) recently approved plans to build a permanent stadium, building on this year’s improvised temporary stadium.

For years, Hershey High shared Hersheypark Stadium through a 2006 agreement, but a surge in the venue’s concert bookings has increasingly interfered with football games.

In September, DTSD’s school board moved forward with plans for a permanent stadium after Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) formally notified them of the need to expedite the transition.

The new stadium, projected to cost $2.5 million, will provide expanded seating for 2,500 people, a designated visitor section for 500, and additional restroom facilities to replace the porta-potties used at the temporary setup.

“It’s not going to be extravagant, but it will be a great home for our school’s games and events,” said Superintendent Dr. Stacy Winslow.

The board has partnered with JMT and landscape architect Mark Shrift, who has extensive experience with temporary stadium setups and permanent stadium planning.

Construction will be completed in time for Hershey’s first home game next September. The new stadium’s proximity to the high school campus is anticipated to boost attendance, which has already surged to around 2,000 fans this year.

This year’s temporary arrangement allowed DTSD to test student seating preferences, ensuring the permanent stadium design avoids less popular placements, like the endzone seating, which many students felt limited their game experience.

“It’s been a learning experience, but ultimately a benefit as we create a stadium that’s truly tailored for our community,” said Dr. Winslow.