October 18, 2005 > Tak Fudenna Stadium dedication set for October 23

by Gary Leatherman

The rededication of Tak Fudenna Stadium has been scheduled for Oct. 23. The program is to include recognition of the stadium's namesake, Takeo Fudenna, a Fremont businessman who spearheaded a group of local volunteers to build the original stadium. The rededication also will include the placement of a plaque in memory of Rob Vares, a longtime Mission Valley Athletic League Commissioner and supporter of youth sports in Fremont.

Tak Stadium has served Fremont's five comprehensive high schools as a venue for football, track and soccer since 1972. In recent years it also has served as a site for high school graduations.

The stadium deteriorated over the years. By combining funds from a health and safety bond passed in 2002, proceeds from the sale of surplus district property and donations from private benefactors, FUSD has renovated the stadium to a condition that will make it one of the premier high school sports venues in the
East Bay area.

The remodeled stadium includes high-quality artificial turf, an all-weather track, a new entryway and ticket booth, a new concession stand, refurbished bleachers, a new press box and scoreboard, a new sound system, two new restroom buildings, remodeled locker rooms, new access ramps to the stands and a reconfigured parking area. The cost of the renovations is expected to be about $5.8 million.

The gates are scheduled to open at 1 p.m. for guided tours of the new facility. The rededication program will begin at 2 p.m. Student athletes, musicians and performers as well as school and government officials are expected to participate in the program along with local dignitaries and members of families who helped build the original stadium.

Rededication of Tak Fudenna Stadium
Sunday, October 23
2 p.m.
Behind Washington High School
38442 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-2594