From dusk to dawn on Aug. 22, Weigand Construction crews completed Concord High School’s Jake Field competition track in one seamless, nine-hour pour.
Watch the Time-Lapse Here (Video)
By building the track as a single surface, crews eliminated the weak points that typically form between segmented sections. This continuous foundation enhances drainage and ensures long-term durability. A cushioned rubber-and-polyurethane layer will be added this fall, providing athletes with a softer, more forgiving surface.
The investment delivers long-term reliability and performance. In northern Indiana, freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for causing concrete to crack, but by removing joints that collect water and ice, the new surface is engineered to last for decades of use.
The strength and stability of this design also comes from within as the track makes use of post-tension cables, a technique found in parking decks, tennis courts, and even airport runways. As concrete expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, cracks can form. Tightened after curing, the cables compress the surface, reducing stress points and preventing water from seeping in.
A Foundation Serving Generations
“The cables come with a 50-year warranty,” the project’s Superintendent RJ Eck says, “providing Concord Community Schools confidence in the project’s quality.”
Executing the continuous pour required meticulous coordination and precision. Nearly 1,000 cubic yards of concrete were delivered in a steady rotation, with batching, placement, and finishing carefully managed throughout the day.
“A single continuous pour gives Concord athletes a lasting foundation,” Eck says. “We’re proud to deliver on our promise — Trust. Well built. — and grateful to the district’s leaders for their confidence in us.”
Significant changes are underway at Jake Field, where a major renovation is transforming the facility into a multi-sport, multi-use hub for students and the community.
The centerpiece of the renovation is a new synthetic turf system composed of durable polyethylene fibers that replicate the appearance of natural grass. Beneath the surface, drainage layers and a stone base will ensure the field remains playable even after heavy rain.
Adaptive Use for Sports, Students, and Special Events
Designed for versatility, the new field will carry permanent stripes for football and soccer, with color-coded markings to keep play clear for athletes and referees. Track and field competitors will also benefit from dedicated zones for long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, and pole vault, ensuring Concord can host meets and provide students with the opportunity to train at home.
Fans will enjoy expanded seating and a new concession building with restrooms, while athletes gain a dedicated team facility complete with lockers and training rooms.
The atmosphere is receiving an upgrade as well. Musco LED lighting and a new sound system will deliver energy-efficient visibility while adding celebratory displays synchronized with touchdowns, goals, and special events.
When it reopens for the 2026–27 academic year, Jake Field will serve as a central venue for athletes, students, families, and the broader Elkhart County community well into the future.