Phil Welch stadium renovations ahead of schedule

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The ongoing renovations at Phil Welch Stadium are ahead of schedule, with the expectation of the project's completion before the St. Joseph Mustangs kickoff their new season.

As previously reported, new seats and bleachers are being installed alongside layers of concrete.

Upon further inspection, it was found that the I-beams holding up the main walking area needed to be replaced. The webbing holding the beams together had rusted and eroded over time.

"With the I-beams, they have been there since the 1930s, when the stadium was built," Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Atkins said. "(Since) they're steel, Mother Nature is going to win that battle eventually. As they were removing the concrete sections of the bleacher seating areas, some of that rust and erosion was seen."

Atkins also added that new concrete couldn't simply be added to the beams, as the structural integrity may fail.

Construction is still expected to be finished before the Mustangs play for their 2026 season.