Work to install a new press box at Brandywine High School’s Selge Field is moving forward.

On Wednesday, the Brandywine Community Schools Board of Trustees awarded RK Sports with a contract installation of the elevated structure, according to Supt. John Jarpe.

The Columbus, Indiana, based company turned in the low bid of approximately $105,000. The company will put in a press box that is manufactured in Cassopolis at Mobile Facilities Engineering.

Jarpe said they are pleased to have a local company contribute to the project.

“We try to use local contractors and manufacturers as much as possible,” he said.

The new press box will be accessible on two sides from the stadium bleachers, unlike the current press box, which requires people to climb up stairs from behind the bleachers.

In addition to being more accessible, the press box will feature enough space for coaches, media, a public address announcer and clock operators. The roof will be lined with fencing making it a useable space as well.

The new press box will be 36-feet long and 10-feet wide. The old press box was about 28-feet long and 8-feet wide.

“We are gaining a lot in both width and length,” Jarpe said.

The old press box will be demolished sometime after the school year ends. Jarpe said they plan to have the new one up in time for football season in August.

The Brandywine Improvement Foundation is contributing $40,000 toward the cost of the press box.

Jarpe said the non-profit organization has been raising funds for more than eight years.

“That is very important because the school only has to cover about $65,000,” Jarpe said.

The old press box was built in the mid-1980s.

“It served its purpose well, but it is certainly past its prime,” said Jarpe, adding that the new facility would go well with the new track, football and soccer fields. “It’s just part of the continued improvement of all of the facilities, but notably the athletic.”