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Lufkin Today
By the People, for the People
Lufkin ISD Seeks $42M for New High School Football Stadium
Voters to decide on $140M bond package that includes new stadium and other school improvements
Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:04am
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A cubist interpretation of the energy and action of a high school football game captures the anticipation surrounding Lufkin ISD's proposed $42 million stadium project.Lufkin TodayResidents in Lufkin Independent School District will vote on a $140 million bond package on May 2, with one proposition including $42 million for a new high school football stadium. The current stadium, Abe Martin Stadium, is outdated and not ADA-compliant. The proposed new stadium would seat 8,500 fans and include modern amenities like locker rooms, an 8-lane track, turf field, and updated concessions.
Why it matters
High school football stadiums are a point of pride in Texas, and Lufkin's current stadium no longer meets the needs of the community. A new state-of-the-art facility could help attract more fans, host larger events, and provide a better game-day experience for players and spectators.
The details
The $140 million bond package includes two propositions. Proposition A features $98 million for renovations to Lufkin High School, a new career and technical building, an agricultural barn, and new buses. Proposition B is the $42 million for the new football stadium, which would replace the 1973-built Abe Martin Stadium. The new stadium would seat 8,500 fans, down from the current 10,500 capacity, but would include modern amenities like locker rooms, an 8-lane track, turf field, lighting, scoreboard, sound system, and updated concessions and restrooms.
- Residents in Lufkin ISD will vote on the $140 million bond package on May 2, 2026.
- If approved, the district plans to start construction on the new stadium after the 2026 football season and have it ready for the 2028 season.
The players
Lufkin ISD
The public school district serving the city of Lufkin, Texas.
Carl Asbeck
The head football coach of the Lufkin High School Panthers.
John Outlaw
The former head football coach of the Lufkin High School Panthers, who led the team to a state championship in 2001. The field at the current Abe Martin Stadium is named after him.
What they’re saying
“We had talked about starting construction after the 2026 season ends and playing on the road in 2027, with hopes of opening for the 2028 season.”
— Carl Asbeck, Head Football Coach, Lufkin High School
What’s next
If the $140 million bond package is approved by voters on May 2, 2026, the Lufkin ISD plans to begin construction on the new $42 million football stadium after the 2026 season and have it ready for the 2028 season.
The takeaway
The proposed $42 million football stadium is a key part of Lufkin ISD's $140 million bond package, reflecting the importance of high school football in Texas communities. A new modern facility could enhance the game-day experience and help the successful Lufkin High School football program continue to thrive.
