Children gather up candy during the parade from Mathews High School to the newly remodeled athletic complex. The band, homecoming court and various sports teams traveled from the high school to the athletic field for the official ribbon cutting.

VIENNA — The Mathews High School band put their feet to work Sunday as they marched from the high school to more than a mile away to the newly remodeled athletic complex near Baker Elementary School.

Crowds lined Sheridan Avenue cheering on the band, the homecoming court and sports teams as they came into the complex.

The Mathews Board of Education hosted the ribbon cutting for the improvements done over the summer, including the new 500-seat bleachers, lights, press box and sound system. The first football game at the stadium will be Friday, which also will be homecoming. While the stadium was being worked on, Mathews football games were at Lakeview High School’s stadium.

“Tonight we are opening the stadium back up with all the new improvements. People will be able to have memories of the new stadium, which will be used for football, soccer, band night and other community events. We plan to hold graduation here,” Superintendent Russell McQuaide said.

McQuaide, who is a member of the Packard Band, joined the Mathews band in playing of the national anthem and other songs.

Work on the stadium began last spring with most of the work completed in August and September.

Resident Steve Soroka, 97, was one of the original booster members who helped get Booster Field established in the late 1960s. He was among those who helped cut the ribbon. Soroka is the lone surviving booster member from the late 1960s group.

Soroka said he was glad to be part of the ribbon cutting along with the board of education, school principals, coaches and township officials

Board President Beth Haddle said it was 49 years ago when the first football games were held at Booster Field, which was officially dedicated on Nov, 9, 1974.

“Tonight is more than a ceremony to open to the complex and see all the improvements but a time to thank all those who have, through their support, made this possible,” she said.

McQuaide said the district had various funds available for the project, including $1.65 million in permanent improvement money, a $300,000 donation from the Cafaro Foundation and pandemic relief funds.