Bleacher Project Update

We are excited to share that the new Cambridge-Isanti High School (CIHS) gym bleachers are installed, and the gym is returning to full use.

The project includes new, safer bleacher systems on both sides of the gym and a refinished floor. The bleachers replaced aging systems that had begun to deteriorate and were experiencing mechanical and safety concerns, providing a safer and more reliable space for students, staff, families, and community members.

The first public event in the updated space is the October 1 Varsity Girls Volleyball match against North Branch.

How We Got Here

Work began shortly after the 2025-26 school year ended with removal of the old bleachers. With the gym cleared, the District also used the opportunity to complete routine maintenance by refinishing the floor, which had not been refinished since 2012 and was significantly overdue based on recommended maintenance timelines. That work went smoothly and finished approximately one week ahead of schedule.

New bleacher installation was originally scheduled to begin July 20 and take approximately four weeks. Repeated delays with contracted crews pushed the work into the start of the school year, requiring adjustments to physical education classes, volleyball practices and competitions, Community Education programs, and other activities.

District staff remained in frequent contact with the contractors and escalated concerns as scheduled start dates continued to change. Work ultimately moved forward in September, with both sides of the gym finished by the end of the month.

A Gym Ready for Bluejackets

The extended timeline affected students, staff, coaches, families, and community programs. Behind the scenes, many people adjusted schedules, relocated activities, coordinated alternate spaces, and worked together to keep programs moving.

A few final items remain. Several handrails need to be replaced due to manufacturing issues, and areas of the gym floor damaged during installation will require repair. The bleacher contractors will be responsible for addressing both issues. In the meantime, the remaining work does not prevent the gym or bleachers from being used.

After a summer and start of the school year shaped by construction and changing schedules, we are grateful to once again have this space available for what it is here for: students learning, teams competing, and families and community members filling the stands.