SUMMERDALE — Snook Christian Academy officially broke ground on its new football stadium Tuesday, July 29, at 5:30 p.m. near the pecan trees on the west side of campus.

The $2.4 million facility will seat more than 750 fans and serve as the new home of the Eagles football program. School leaders are optimistic the stadium will be finished by the end of fall.

While thanking many people for their part in the new stadium, head coach Keith Smith most notably paid respect to his aunt, Marjorie Snook.

“She donated all the land that you see. We were just talking about how such a beautiful thing this is. This is going to be all of our sports fields — without her, not only would we not have a football program or athletic program, I’m not sure if there would be a Snook Christian Academy.”

The project comes as the school transitions from 11-man to 8-man football within the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA).

The ceremony included remarks from school leadership, a prayer of dedication, a ceremonial groundbreaking and photo opportunities. All community members, alumni, families and supporters were invited to attend and take part.