OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Originally slated to begin following last football season. The renovations of Donald Gardner Stadium in Opelousas have been delayed.

With several high-profile match ups for Opelousas High School bringing more people to the city next season, Mayor Julius Alsandor says the delay was essential. Alsandor says initial delays were to make sure all of the needed supplies and manpower were ready to get the renovations done.

However, with plans being ready to begin in July, the renovations would have been taking place during football season and caused all the schools that play at the stadium to travel elsewhere.

"We start in July, then that means we have to find different arteries to channel these football teams that played, and it would have created an inconvenience," Alsandor explained. "We're not going to create that inconvenience. We're going to delay the start time by six months. Bring this up in the first week of December and allow these teams who have been playing there for a number of years to utilize that field.

Bill Rodier of St. Landry Economic Development said that keeping the stadium open this season also gives the city a chance to capitalize on the success of Opelousas High School, bringing larger crowds to see the defending state champions at home.

"By having some of these big high school football games that will bring a lot of people, a lot of commerce to this area. That will definitely be a nice shot in the arm a nice boost to those local area businesses playing those home games at Donald Gardner Stadium this season especially will be impactful," said Rodier.

With Donald Gardner stadium being phase 1 of the south city park renovations, this delay does mean all renovations are on hold until the end of the season.

However, Alsandor says a successful football season will set the tone for a successful renovation.

"Let me say now that our local schools will be playing football in Donald Gardner Stadium, and once this field is put down and the refurbishing of the stadium, we will be in a good place," said Alsandor.

The renovations of Donald Gardner Stadium are now expected to begin in December.

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