Students returned to campus to find a new artificial turf football field featuring Arizona imagery, part of the voter-approved TUSD Bond 2023.
When Cholla High School students walked through the gates on the first day of school, they were greeted by a transformed football field. The new artificial turf, funded by the voter-approved TUSD Bond 2023, features an Arizona flag graphic, the name “Ed Brown Stadium” displayed behind a field post, and a graphic of “A” Mountain behind the title.
The reveal marks a significant upgrade for the school’s athletic facilities, which have long been a point of pride for the Chargers community. The bond, passed by Tucson voters in 2023, allocated funds for improvements across Tucson Unified School District campuses, with Cholla’s field among the first projects completed.
“This is a huge moment for our students and our community,” said a school representative, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak to the press. “The new field gives our athletes a top-notch facility and shows that our community values their hard work.”
The field’s design incorporates local and state pride, with the Arizona flag painted at midfield and the iconic “A” Mountain silhouette behind the stadium name. The artificial turf is expected to reduce water usage and maintenance costs compared to natural grass, aligning with the district’s sustainability goals.
Students and staff alike expressed excitement about the new surface. “It feels like a college field,” said one senior, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It’s going to make a big difference for our games and practices.”
The project is part of a broader effort by TUSD to modernize facilities across the district. Other bond-funded projects include classroom upgrades, technology improvements, and safety enhancements at various schools.
For residents, the new field is a visible sign of the bond’s impact. “It’s great to see our tax dollars at work,” said a parent who attended the first-day drop-off. “This is something the whole neighborhood can be proud of.”
The field will be used for football, soccer, and other outdoor activities, and is available for community events outside school hours. The district plans to host a formal dedication ceremony later this fall.
As the Chargers prepare for their home opener, the new turf is already boosting morale. “It’s a new era for Cholla football,” said the senior. “We can’t wait to play on it.”