Over two years in the making, La Grande’s new Wildcat Center opens its doors

LA GRANDE – Over two years’ worth of planning and construction have finally come to an end as the La Grande School District celebrates its newest accomplishment. On the evening of Wednesday, September 25, the Wildcat Center officially opened its doors to the public.

According to a press release published by the InterMountain Education Service District, the bond for the facility was initially passed by voters in May of 2022, with groundbreaking beginning on June 6, 2023. A mixed education and athletics facility for the middle school, the new building officially features three gyms, six classrooms, locker rooms, visiting team rooms, three digital scoreboards, offices, and a mezzanine space overlooking the gyms. The facility’s spaces will also be available for use by the community

Though already seeing some use by students and staff, September 25 marked the official grand opening and beginning of full operations for the Wildcat Center. In total, roughly 125 people were in attendance for the ribbon cutting and tours of the facility. As stated by Superintendent George Mendoza in a recent interview:

“It’s a beautiful facility for our students, for our staff, and for the community of La Grande. It’ll bring lots of years of joy and celebration for those that wish to embrace or use the facility. It’s really nice.”

**Image from La Grande School District**