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Bishop Ireton High School eyes major facilities upgrade at Fannon Field

Bishop Ireton High School is looking to make improvements to its athletic facilities at its Fannon Field.

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is asking the city for permission to expand the school’s track from four lanes to six, add concessions and storage buildings, more bleacher seating and a new turf field.

“Site renovations also include a new entry plaza with associated ADA accessibility improvements,” city staff said in a report. “The bleachers will be expanded to the east to provide a total of 946 seats, consistent with previous approvals, as well as the removal of accessory structures near the north and east property lines and subsequent replacement of these structures in a new location under the bleachers.”

City staff are recommending approval.

“The improvements will bring the athletic facilities to modern standards while providing enhanced accessibility and pedestrian space,” city staff said.

Bishop Ireton isn’t the only private school to get facility upgrades this year. In May, Episcopal High School got the green light from the city to construct dozens of athletic field lights. Earlier this month, St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School received City Council approval for an athletics facilities expansion and field lighting addition.

The last time Bishop Ireton went before the city for a project was in 2024 for construction of a new chapel bell tower and roof.

The Planning Commission will consider the proposal at its meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Proposed improvements to the bleachers at Bishop Ireton High School (via City of Alexandria)

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.