The Backyard Project

List of 9 items.

• What is Saint Viator planning for its existing backyard?

  To respond to the evolving needs of our students and community, Saint Viator will construct on-campus, multi-sport facilities. 

  
  

  Key features will include: 

  • Competition and practice fields for football, soccer, lacrosse, dance, and cheer
  • Home and Visitor Bleachers
  • 8-lane all-weather track with field events
  • Tennis courts (8)
  • Support facilities including restrooms, concessions, outdoor/equipment storage
  • Additional parking

• Are baseball and softball still a priority? What is the plan for fields?

  Yes. Please know, baseball and softball remain a priority today, next season, and for the long run.

  
  

  Alongside our broader campus improvements, we are advancing plans for best-in-class, right-sized baseball and softball venues with regulation fields and strong game-day support so every Lion benefits from spaces built for excellence.

  
  

  Because campus space is limited, we’re securing nearby partner locations that can provide full-dimension, regulation diamonds with quality surfaces and lighting, dugouts and bullpens, multiple batting cages, scoreboard and PA system, seating for families and friends, and convenient access. Overall, a safe, well-managed site that looks and feels like home on game day. 

  
  

  We’ll share the location and renderings once agreements are finalized.

• Why now?

  Over the past decade, we’ve invested heavily in academics, arts, and innovation.
  
  

  Athletics is now the most pressing gap. Nearly 80% of students participate in sports, yet our facilities have not kept pace. In fact, Saint Viator is among the few high schools in Illinois without multi-sport, on-campus facilities.

   

  Families expect strong academics and vibrant co-curriculars. This project brings Saint Viator on par with Illinois public and private high schools, where modern, on-campus fields and track are the prevailing standard.

• Who will benefit from these new facilities?

  First and foremost, our students. On-campus fields, track, and courts mean less time on buses, more time for learning and practice, and safe, well-supervised afternoons. Families benefit from simpler schedules and staying closer to home.

   

  We’re also building with our neighbors in mind. Plans include shielded lights with set hours, calibrated sound, staffed traffic, and on-campus parking first, added landscaping, and a posted events calendar so there are no surprises.

• What is the timeline for this project?

  Subject to review and approval from the Village of Arlington Heights, we aim to break ground in Fall 2026 and host the first full season in Fall 2027. 

• How will this project be funded?

  The project will be privately funded primarily through philanthropy. Our commitment is to strengthen Saint Viator’s long-term financial health, not add burden to families. Donor support ensures this project is an investment in the future, not a short-term expense. Tuition will not be impacted.

  
  

  Our fundraising will not affect the Annual Fund, scholarships, or ministry budgets.

• Will this affect my property taxes?

  No. Unlike the pending $850M referendum for District 214, our facilities will be privately funded.

• Is there a plan to deal with the increase in cars and traffic?

  By bringing practices and games on campus, bus traffic and off-campus trips will decrease.
  
  To ensure additional capacity on-site, Saint Viator is adding parking as part of the renovation. During peak events (such as home varsity football games, approximately 5 times a year), Saint Viator will coordinate with neighboring parishes to provide supplemental parking.

  
  We will follow village guidelines on lighting, hours, and traffic flow to minimize disruption.

• Where will teams practice / play during the construction of the new fields?

  We are working closely with local partners to secure interim practice and competition facilities while our site is renovated. All 2026 spring sports and summer camps will be held on-site. Groundbreaking is currently projected for Fall 2026.