Main Story

Akins athletes have a new home for training: an upgraded facility with artificial turf, a resurfaced track, lighting, bleachers and other improvements. The project ends a year of practices on uneven grass and eliminates bus trips to nearby schools, giving teams more training time, easier access to equipment and a morale boost.

By the Numbers
  • $2.44 billion: Voter-approved Austin ISD bond program funding the work.
  • $17.9 million: Akins campus allocation, which also covers career and technical education upgrades and facility modernization.
  • April 27: The date athletes began using the upgraded facility.
  • 20 minutes each way: The former bus trip to Paredes Middle School for track practice.
Yes, But

Construction ran past its original Jan. 31 target, extending the disruption for athletes. Coaches and students say the completed facility’s safer surfaces, easier logistics and expanded training access make the wait worthwhile.

State of Play
  • Track and field teams can now practice on campus year-round, including specialized sprint training that previously didn’t start until January.
  • Coaches report more efficient workouts, easier access to equipment and stronger attendance and enthusiasm.
  • Football and soccer players also benefit from the turf and a home facility ahead of competitions at Burger Center.
Bottom Line

The upgrade is more than a new surface: it gives Akins teams back time, expands training opportunities and provides a stronger home base for the seasons ahead.