Tecumseh Public Schools is currently selling customized bricks to fund its athletic field concession, bathroom and ticket complex, with a “Buy a Brick” program.

Tecumseh High School Athletic Director Griff Mills, Tim Vannatter, and Stan Ames set up the fundraising program where each person who donates has a personalized orange brick placed along a walkway in front of the concession stand leading to the new football field.

“It's going well,” said Mills of the support shown so far. “People have been very favorable to the idea because they are able to leave a lasting legacy.”

A goal of $150,000 has been set for the project and so far it has been very well supported.

The bricks will be of a finished texture, tangerine in color, and painted black in the engraving. They will be displayed in a symbolic 'T' as spectators walk through the building. Bricks will be available for purchase until Friday, July 10, to help fund the project. The donations are tax deductible. Additional bricks will be placed along the walk leading to the home stands in later orders.

Campaign levels of Sponsorship include Supporter, 4x8 Brick for $100: Supporter 8x8 Brick for $250: Bronze Club, 4x8 Brick and Wall Plaque for $500 to $999: Silver Club, 8x8 Brick and Wall Plaque for $1,000 to $4,999: and Gold Club, 8x8 Brick and Wall Plaque for donations of $5,000 and up.

Bricks can be from an individual, family or dedicated to a loved one. Bricks that are 4x8 have space for four lines of 24 letters while 8x8 Bricks have enough room for six lines of 24 letters.

Anyone interested in 'buying-a-brick' should contact Mills at the Tecumseh High School Athletic Department, 424.6505 or by emailing gmills@tps.k12.mi.us [1]. Information is also available on the TPS web site, tps.k12.mi.us.

The construction of the new athletic complex is well under way. The TPS Board of Education formally approved the relocation of the football field on March 23, and the stands at Indians Stadium were demolished during late May. Construction began on April 15, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 23, where the Indian Fight Song was officially played for the first time at the location by the Tecumseh High School Marching Band to commemorate the new field.

The athletic facility project is currently on schedule and the completion date is projected to be Saturday, August 15. The first contest scheduled for play at the facility is on Friday, August 28. A community event celebrating the field completion is being planned with volunteers from First Federal Bank and the Tecumseh Public School staff participating.

Features in the new athletic complex will include, in Phase 1, seating for 4,200 fans; a press box; field lighting; an eight-lane track and a synthetic turf athletic field. The field was designed for students participating in marching band, lacrosse, soccer, football and track events. The field will also be available for community use and events.

Phase 2 will include the construction of a concession/restroom building and the district is currently raising funds for the structure, as seen on the TPS website.