Chapin High School’s football team is preparing to play its first game of the season at Irmo rather than at home, with renovations to the school’s stadium taking longer than expected.

Lexington-Richland School District 5 announced in early 2022 that it would renovate and expand Chapin High’s Cecil Woolbright Field Stadium.

The project's expected completion date was originally January 2024, but because of weather delays, the Office of School Facilities expects February of next year to be more accurate.

“I’m not gonna make you any promises,” said Dave Weissman, executive director of operations for District 5, at a Aug. 7 school board meeting. “I’m trying really hard to be excited but not to make you a promise. Things are looking pretty good.”

Chapin High's football coach, Justin Gentry, spoke to the Chronicle Aug. 2, the day he said work was set to begin on the visitors-side seating, confirming that he is getting set to prepare his team to play its planned home opener against Irmo on the road should the stadium not be ready.

“There’s always been a backup plan,” Weissman said during the trustees meeting. “We’ve already scheduled them [the game] at Irmo, that’s always available to us.”

During the meeting on Aug. 7, Weissman said he expects the visitors-side seating to be completed Aug. 11. His biggest concern is the home side of the stadium and the delays it has seen so far.

Construction on the press box did not begin until July 24 due to wiring and plumbing complications.

The district facilities office was scheduled to meet with officials Aug. 11 to discuss information regarding safety.

“The outcome will determine what areas will be available for use during any games being played at the stadium,” said Amanda Taylor, District 5’s director of communications.

Information regarding closures and delays will be released to the public if deemed necessary by the board, Taylor told the Chronicle.

The board of trustees is scheduled to meet again Aug. 21.

This is a developing story and will continue to be updated. Elijah Campbell contributed to this report.