Coca-Cola distributor will give $1 million to LPS athletic field upgrades

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Coca-Cola distributor is contributing to Lincoln Public Schools’ Fielding Dreams Campaign.

On Friday, Chesterman Co. Coca-Cola pledged $1 million to the campaign, which seeks to improve athletic facilities and fields for all Lincoln students.

“We are very excited to partner with LPS!” President Cy Chesterman said in a press release. “We have a long-standing commitment to doing what we can to make the communities we serve better places to live.”

LPS officials said the contribution will help upgrade fields to championship level.

The gift, to be doled out over the next five years, will help with projects such as the locker room at UBT Stadium at Lincoln Northwest and concessions at the new softball pinwheel at Lincoln Standing Bear.

The district has already installed many of the grass fields and infrastructure at its facilities, and the campaign aims to raise funds to add turf, lights, scoreboards and grandstands.

Officials said the upgrades will impact band, tennis, football, soccer, softball, baseball and many other community events.

The Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools hopes to add fields to accommodate growth in Lincoln’s youth activities, provide high-quality competition fields and make Lincoln a destination for youth sports.

“Without the community’s support, generous donors, and business partnerships, we couldn’t do it,” said Wendy Van, president of the foundation. “It’s thrilling to work with an organization like Chesterman Co. that cares so much about providing opportunities for kids and sees the value of the Fielding Dreams project.”