A photo illustration of what a McKinley football game would look like in the new facility. | Rendering courtesy: G70

State-of-the-art $24 million athletic complex projected to open at McKinley High in Sept. 2026

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 11, 2024

Go get ’em Tigers.

McKinley High School broke ground Wednesday on a $24 million state-of-the-art athletic complex that will elevate spectator experience and serve as a hub for the community, the Hawai’i Department of Education said in a press release.

With the design done by G70 and Nan, Inc. beginning construction on the project, fans and community members can expect to enjoy the new facility by Sept. 2026 the release said.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several DOE administrators, legislators and supporter of Hawai’i high school athletics.

“We hope this facility will inspire student-athletes to go for gold and bring Tiger Pride to their classmates and their ‘Ohana,” superintendent Keith Hayashi said in the release. “This stadium’s reach goes beyond McKinley. It will be a center of activity for the surrounding neighborhood to be a part of and enjoy.”

There will be over 2,400 bleacher seats with many amenities under the bleachers to include male and female locker rooms, coaches’ offices, weight training room and more, the release said.

HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi (center) and McKinley High School principal Ron Okamura take part in a groundbreaking ceremony. | Photo Credit: Hawai’i State Department of Education

“The McKinley community has been waiting a long time for this facility,” said principal Ron Okamura. “It is uplifting to witness everyone’s hard work come to fruition today. We are looking forward to seeing how this new complex will enhance not only the sports program but also energize school spirit as well.”

The football team, who will be the main occupants of the facility when it opens, is also on the uptick.

The Tigers snapped a 34-game losing streak and earned their first win since Sept. 7, 2019 when they defeated Kaimuki in early October, 9-7.

“It’s going to be good, our kids this year, they always want to play games at their home field,” said McKinley coach Steve Warner.

“I think the parent and the community will be very happy when it all comes to fruition.”