Story by Heath Hambrick • heath.h@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne City Schools broke ground for the new Wildcat Arena Friday on the Fort Payne High School campus.

Guests included representatives of Scout Program Management, Goodwyn Mills Cawood architecture and engineering firm, Caliber One Construction, along with members of the Fort Payne City School Board and Fort Payne coaching staff. 

Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Brian Jett welcomed everyone and gave a run-down of all the uses for the new structure.

“This is not a gym; this is an arena that will be a multipurpose facility.” said Jett.

“This arena will take Fort Payne Wildcat sports to the next level. All main events for basketball, volleyball, wrestling and all school activities will take place in the arena.” 

The arena will also be home to the new Cosmetology department and computer science program, a storm shelter, a newer cheerleading room and what Jett call the “Founder’s Room” – a 200-seat auditorium like space to hold events and meetings. 

The arena will hold anywhere from 1,100 to 1,400 spectators and the target date for completion is January 1, 2027.

“The new Wildcat Area will be the best facility in the State of Alabama,” said Fort Payne Head Basketball Coach Robi Coker.