As a visible cornerstone of the Village of Lisle’s educational community, Benet Academy is committed to continuous improvement and investing in its campus to serve generations to come. The leadership of Benet Academy proposes to improve its outdated athletic fields, track, and stadium. Renovating these facilities will enhance student safety during physical education classes and athletic competitions. The improvements will benefit all students, families, fans, and the greater Lisle community by having this community institution have facilities equal to those found throughout the region.

“Since opening our current campus doors in 1956, Benet has continuously invested in its campus to provide students with access to facilities, faculty, curriculum, and faith-based programs that inspire them to reach their potential, but the one area that has mostly stayed the same is our stadium and athletic fields. We’re excited at the opportunity to move our campus and student experience forward by renewing the athletic fields, track and stadium for the benefit of future generations of students, families, and fans,” said Bill Myers, President of Benet Academy.

Benet Academy is committed to providing its students with exceptional academic, faith, and extracurricular opportunities. The proposed renovation of the stadium and athletic fields will improve the athletic and physical education facilities, enriching the overall educational experience for all students and visiting student-athletes, families and fans.

Today, Benet is one of only two high schools in DuPage County whose home stadium does not have a lighting system. This negatively impacts students, student-athletes and their high school experience. The use of lighting and other technologies at high schools is common throughout the region.

While some competitions have been able to be scheduled at facilities across DuPage County, hosting home sporting events off campus is atypical and is not a viable long-term solution.

Once complete, Benet will be able to enhance its student experience, physical education, sports, and performing arts.  This space will create opportunities to bring people together, fostering joy, connection, and shared experiences among students, families, fans, and neighbors.

Did You Know?: Benet is not a party or signatory to the agreement between the Village of Lisle and Benedictine University. Benet does not have rights or preferences to use facilities at Benedictine’s Sport Complex and some requests cannot be accommodated by the University due to scheduling conflicts. It is also infeasible and unsafe to have outdoor physical education classes cross Maple Avenue to use the facility on a daily basis. 

Physical education, performing arts, and athletics are essential components of the student experience and help instill healthy, active habits in youth. The renovated track, athletic fields, and stadium will provide students and athletes with access to safe facilities and reduce the likelihood of injuries:

• Enhanced Physical Education Classes: The new all-weather track and multi-sport turf field will elevate the quality of physical education classes. Students will have access to facilities consistent with those found at schools across the region, promoting their overall well-being and encouraging active lifestyles.
• Improved Facilities Support Student Development: By providing a versatile, safe, and durable playing surface for physical education and sports including, cross country, soccer, track, lacrosse, football, as well as the performing arts, the stadium renovation and improved turf fields allow students and athletes to participate in various sports and activities, fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.

The renewed stadium and athletic fields are proposed to occur in two project phases.

• Phase One: Involves renovating the existing stadium through the installation of a multi-sport synthetic field, replacing the current track with a new all-weather track, constructing a new seating with enclosed press, hospitality, and coaches’ boxes, and creating visitor seating on the east side, which will provide hospitality to fans and families visiting from other communities. Other upgrades include the installation of lighting, an audio system, and a scoreboard. A new alumni plaza will be featured at the stadium entrance to honor the community’s past and present leaders, and Benet alumni.
• Phase Two: Construction of a hospitality building and pavilion at the northern portion of the stadium complex, housing concessions, a spirit store, restrooms, team rooms, and a training room. To the east of the main drive, Benet plans to install a second synthetic turf field, primarily for hosting soccer matches.