POINT PLEASANT — With football season inching closer and closer each day, fans of the Black Knights now have the opportunity to reserve their parking space at the new athletic complex in time for the first home game.

As construction on the state-of-the-art stadium continues, volunteers with the Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School athletic complex committee are selling parking passes. John Musgrave, director of the West Virginia Lottery, was the first to purchase a parking pass for this year’s football season.

Parking passes are $50 per space, and according to Mario Liberatore of the athletic complex committee, there are approximately 100 spaces available. In addition, Liberatore said that the tailgate area will be located where the reserved spaces are.

He encouraged residents to purchase their passes soon as only a limited number of spaces are available, and due to the fact that the football field is expected to be complete next month.

Construction of the new athletic complex began in April. The state-of-the-art facility will host a football field as well as baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a track, concession stands, restrooms and locker rooms. The first phase of construction will consist of the football field, track, bleachers, lighting and pressbox, while Phase II will see construction of the field house that will have concession stands, restrooms and locker rooms as well as tennis courts.

Plans also call for the revitalization of the softball and baseball fields by adding permanent bleachers and bringing lights from Sanders Field to illuminate the grounds.

The stadium and track area will seat 3,500 fans, and the football field is expected to be complete by the beginning of August. The entire complex is estimated to cost $3.3 million, with members of the athletic complex committee organizing a variety of fundraisers as well as contacting foundations and businesses for donations and grants. The group already has secured approximately $2.2 million through promises, donations and legislative money.

One major fundraiser for the stadium, are the commemorative athletic bricks, which are currently being sold by the athletic complex committee. According to Liberatore, due to increased response the deadline to purchase bricks is now July 20.

The commemorative bricks will be placed along the entry way as a permanent reminder of the community’s dedication to the project. Bricks cost $100 each, and there is no limit to the number of bricks that can be ordered by individuals. Those who purchase bricks will be able to view their bricks in place at the first home football game.

Parking passes may be purchased from any member of the athletic complex committee. Members include Liberatore, Denny Bellamy, Ron Durst, Troy Krebs, John Roach and Lisa Johnson.

For more information on parking passes or the athletic complex, call any member of the athletic complex committee or the tourism center at 304-675-6788.