By Monica Rodriguez for The Eastsider
Originally published Sept. 23, 2025
After months of construction, Garfield and Roosevelt high schools have unveiled multimillion-dollar renovations to their football stadiums, once again allowing both schools to host games.
The two schools held their first home games at their new digs Aug. 28. For many in attendance, the upgrades were as exciting as the games.
“It really looks good,” said Garfield freshman Emily Perez, 14, of East L.A. “It shows how much the school cares about the players.”
Garfield’s modernization includes a synthetic football field, rubberized track, new scoreboard, visitor bleachers, irrigation pump, landscaping, and ADA upgrades. Roosevelt’s project expanded its track and field to meet CIF and LAUSD standards, while replacing bleachers and the press box, and upgrading lighting, concessions, restrooms, and other amenities. Roosevelt opted for natural grass, chosen in consultation with administrators and the School Board Office.
Both projects were funded largely by the 2020 voter-approved Measure RR school bond.
The LAUSD budgeted $14 million for Garfield’s synthetic field, track and related improvements, a district spokesperson said. Approximately $27 million to $30 million was budgeted for Roosevelt’s field, track, and other upgrades, along with improvements to other school athletic facilities.
Students and alumni said the changes were long overdue. Garfield graduate Edward Salazar of East L.A. remembered the poor condition of the old field.
“It was terrible. We used to do P.E. on the field, but it was pretty ugly.”
His brother-in-law, Juan Chavez of La Puente, who played football at Garfield, recalled an uneven surface with bare patches.
“Now it’s a lot better. You can use it year-round,” Chavez said.
At Roosevelt, teacher and alumnus Miguel Arellano said the upgrades give athletes the chance to showcase their skills and pursue scholarships.
“It makes our community shine as well,” he added.
Parents agreed. Rosalinda Martinez of Boyle Heights, whose son is a junior on Roosevelt’s varsity team, said the changes boost students’ pride and drive.
“This is good,” she said. “I feel it gives (students) motivation.”
More Eastside high school field projects
• Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High — Eagle Rock: Work on a field improvement project at Eagle Rock Junior/Senior High School is expected to begin before the end of the year. The $13.6 million project will feature a new synthetic field for football and soccer, a synthetic track, improved irrigation and drainage, fencing, a new scoreboard, and goal posts.
• Lincoln High — Lincoln Heights: The campus is in the midst of a $277 million multi-phase modernization project. Of that amount, $27 million will go to athletic facilities. The entire modernization project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2027.
• John Marshall High – Los Feliz: Work to replace the synthetic field is set to begin during the 2026-2027 school year. The $5.9 million project involves replacing the existing synthetic field with a new one, adding new perimeter drainage, a field cooling system, track repairs, accessibility upgrades to the bleachers and installing five field lights.
• Torres High – East Los Angeles: Plans are being developed to replace existing synthetic turf. The $9.6 million project is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2026 and be completed a year later, according to the LAUSD website.
