Governor Hochul announces the successful completion of the $22 million renovation of Dietz Stadium as a major milestone in the revitalization of downtown Kingston

New York – After years of planning, investment, and construction, a new chapter has begun for a cherished Kingston landmark. Robert H. Dietz Memorial Stadium has officially reopened, unveiling a comprehensive $22 million renovation that has completely reimagined the site into a modern sports and community venue. The ambitious project is part of Kingston’s broader vision for urban renewal through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which aims to breathe new life into city centers across New York State.

With the sun shining down on freshly laid turf and refurbished grandstands, community leaders, state officials, and local residents gathered to celebrate the completion of a project that has been years in the making. The refurbished stadium stands not only as a renewed sports venue but also as a symbol of economic revitalization, community pride, and smart infrastructure planning.

“The revitalization of Dietz Stadium marks a new era for the City of Kingston – where state-of-the-art athletic facilities meet community pride and regional opportunity,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Through our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, we’ve transformed this historic venue into a modern hub for sports, recreation and public gatherings, all while preserving its legacy and strengthening accessibility, sustainability and economic vitality for generations to come.”

A Project Rooted in Community Vision

Dietz Stadium has long been a staple in Kingston’s social and athletic life. The 2,000-seat facility has served as a daily sports arena for Kingston City School District athletes, the home field for the Kingston Stockade Football Club, and a recurring venue for large-scale competitions such as the New York State Field Band Conference’s Fall Fanfare. Its surrounding grounds—complete with a public pool, basketball court, and track—are widely used by residents for exercise, gatherings, and family outings.

But time had taken its toll. The need for upgrades had become impossible to ignore, with aging infrastructure and outdated amenities falling short of what today’s athletes and spectators expect. The push for modernization began gaining momentum after Kingston was named the Mid-Hudson DRI winner in Round Two of the statewide initiative. With an initial $2.5 million in DRI funding, the city had a starting point to launch what would become a multi-year transformation.

New Era, New Facilities

The changes to Dietz Stadium are not simply cosmetic—they’re foundational. From top to bottom, nearly every aspect of the facility was touched by this large-scale effort. On the outside, the grandstand was renovated with upgraded seating, new benches, and an enhanced press box. Accessibility was a major focus, with a new tunnel at the 50-yard line granting direct access to locker rooms and ensuring the stadium accommodates athletes and spectators of all abilities.

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Inside, the improvements are equally striking. New locker rooms, expanded restrooms, mechanical and electrical system upgrades, and additional storage space bring the stadium in line with modern standards. Coaches now have dedicated offices, and athletes benefit from a fully equipped training room.

For the fans, the experience has been elevated. A brand-new scoreboard with a large broadcasting screen adds a professional edge to games. Energy-efficient LED lighting now illuminates the field, creating a better viewing environment while aligning with environmental goals.

Outside the field area, sustainability and public usability were key priorities. Old buildings were replaced with a new open-air pavilion designed to accommodate food trucks and concessions, and new green infrastructure was incorporated into the redesigned parking lots. Over 120 new trees were planted, contributing to environmental health and offering a more pleasant experience for visitors.

“Dietz Stadium is a tremendous asset to the City of Kingston, and we are proud to celebrate its official reopening after extensive renovations and improvements,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “This is more than just a stadium, it is a neighborhood hub where families gather, students grow and residents show community pride.”

Pushing Toward a Greener Future

A standout feature of the renovation is its commitment to sustainability. The use of green infrastructure—including stormwater management systems, eco-friendly paving, and expanded green spaces—aims to make the site more resilient in the face of changing climate conditions. These improvements were made possible through additional grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), which joined the effort to ensure the stadium is not only functional but environmentally responsible.

“When ‘climate smart’ cities like Kingston prioritize green infrastructure improvements and sustainable solutions, like these at Dietz Stadium, the entire community benefits,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “DEC is proud to partner with the Department of State and our fellow state agencies to support this exciting renovation project.”

“The transformation of Dietz Stadium is a powerful example of how strategic investments in green infrastructure can revitalize community spaces while protecting our environment,” echoed Maureen A. Coleman, President and CEO of the Environmental Facilities Corporation.

A Win for the Local Economy

The overhaul of Dietz Stadium doesn’t just benefit athletes and weekend joggers—it’s also a key driver for local economic development. Officials expect that the new, high-quality facilities will draw more events to the area, including regional tournaments and large-scale public gatherings. This, in turn, means increased foot traffic in local businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

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“Projects like this are at the heart of our community redevelopment efforts and encourage new investments that support regional economic growth,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Dietz Stadium is a Kingston landmark, and the upgrades…will ensure that it continues to welcome fans and athletes for generations to come.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey emphasized the project’s long-term significance, saying:

“Dietz Stadium is a Kingston landmark and a cornerstone of life in our community, where generations have come together to compete, celebrate, and get a front row seat to watch our semi-pro Stockade FC make us proud. We’ve driven major state investment toward Dietz’s revitalization… These renovations will help carry Dietz into its next 100 years.”

Partnerships That Made It Possible

The success of the project was made possible by cooperation between city, state, and school district leadership. It exemplifies how different arms of government can work together to achieve a common goal that benefits residents on multiple levels—from education and recreation to infrastructure and economic vitality.

“I pushed hard for this project, both as County Executive and as a member of Congress – I’m incredibly proud to announce renovations are complete!” said Representative Pat Ryan. “This is a win for our entire Kingston community – from the student athletes… to the families and community members who will enjoy the space.”

“The improvements to the stadium are spectacular and will benefit the community for generations to come,” added Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I want to express my appreciation to Mayor Noble, the Common Council, and the Kingston City School District for their vision, leadership, and commitment to making this project happen.”

Mayor Steven T. Noble, who has championed the project from the start, expressed deep gratitude for the state’s support and the community’s commitment:

“I want to thank the Governor and the Department of State for seeing our vision for Uptown Kingston, believing in our community, and providing the funding through the DRI program that kick-started this massive renovation project… With the state-of-the-art upgrades, this complex will now be able to host regional sporting competitions and large-scale events.”

Looking Ahead

The excitement over the new stadium is already being felt in schools and neighborhoods across Kingston. Students from the Kingston City School District have started using the facility, making memories and building skills in a space that finally matches their potential.

“We are incredibly thankful to New York State for providing the financial support to complete the renovations of the new and improved Dietz Stadium,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Padalino. “This project is an example of effective cooperation between the State, City and School District… We are grateful to have worked collaboratively… to make this dream a reality.”

The upgraded Dietz Stadium is expected to host a variety of community events in the coming months, including athletic meets, concerts, and gatherings that showcase both its capacity and charm. More than a venue, it now stands as a testament to what is possible when long-term vision, public funding, and community energy align.

As one of many projects funded under the DRI—alongside transportation upgrades, public space development, and small business support—the stadium renovation is just one piece of Kingston’s renaissance. But it’s a bold, visible, and symbolic piece. It says the city is growing. It says the community matters. And it says Kingston’s best days are still to come.