High School Mulls Pricey New Press Box Windows

School officials at Andalusia (Ala.) High School are weighing the cost and benefits of replacing windows in the nearly completed new press box at the school’s outdoor stadium.

According to the Andalusia Star-News, the press box currently features windows that open like traditional household windows. Superintendent Ted Watson said the frames of the current windows inhibit the view from the press box and get in the way when cameras are filming games.

The Andalusia Board of Education has scheduled a meeting to discuss several options that cover a range of price points, including:   

• Removing current windows and replacing with “store front” glass. The project would take five to seven weeks and cost $25,495.

• Removing current windows, replacing center (filming) windows with a Nanawall (accordion folding) window, and side windows with store front glass. Project would take nine to 12 weeks, and cost $1,005.

• Removing current windows, installing all Nanawall (accordion folding) windows. Project would take 10 to 15 weeks, and cost $69,128.

Board member David McCalman, who volunteers with WAAO to broadcast AHS football games, explained that he hopes the facility will be able to accommodate the Alabama High School Athletic Association, which will broadcast games of the week. 

“They will go to the places in terms of room and technology that can accommodate them,” he said. “What you’ve got now is room for a camera for our video people and a camera for our high school people. Then, if you bring somebody else, we’ve built a press box to accommodate only one camera view." 

Board members have asked for an architectural rendering of the press box that depicts each available option.