Challenger Columbia Stadium (Webster, TX)

The Clear Creek Independent School District is home to a community unified by the spirit of exploration, so when it was time to determine the name of the District's second stadium, the Board of Trustees voted for Challenger Columbia Stadium in honor of the space shuttle program legacy and the astronauts who perished aboard both flights.

"NASA is honored that our community recognizes the tremendous commitment that accompanies human spaceflight. We are proud that the stadium name will serve as a lasting memorial of our teamwork and dedication," said Johnson Space Center (JSC) Director, Dr. Ellen Ochoa.

The name was one of three recommendations brought forward to the Board of Trustees by a CCISD Naming Committee.

"The history and the future of NASA are important to all of us, especially our students," said Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. "Whether it is graduation, a robotics competition, a fine arts or athletic achievement, our students will be reminded to always be bold in their aspirations and reach for the stars."

When making the recommendation, the CCISD Naming Committee said Challenger Columbia Stadium was strongly reflected in community suggestions. The name also honors two major historical events that impacted CCISD and the community.

It also signifies the deep history of the space program within CCISD boundaries. The stadium will be constructed near Challenger Seven Park.

The District will break ground on Challenger Columbia Stadium on Wednesday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. CDT at the stadium site, which is located near 2145 West NASA Boulevard, Webster, Texas. Clear Creek ISD's Challenger Columbia Stadium is scheduled to open in August 2015. It is funded through the 2013 CCISD Bond.