Nansemond-Suffolk Academy won’t actually have a new football field when the Saints kickoff against Windsor Friday night, but a lot of it is new thanks to construction and renovation projects completed during the summer.

The improvements to Arthur E. Jones Field, home to Saint field hockey and lacrosse games as well, were small parts of about 160 initiatives on NSA’s campus and $1,250,000 of gifts from donors.

“The gifts raised have all been in support of the strategic plan we’ve been working on in the last year,” said Kenda Council, the school’s Director of Development.

New fencing and brick pillars have taken the place of old chain-link fencing around the field.

New woodwork and fresh paint for the home-side bleachers and press box are perhaps the most obvious changes.

Sidewalks from the parking lot to the field, renovations to the concession stand area and restrooms and removal of the bleachers on the visitor side of the field were also done.

The work on Arthur E. Jones Field beat many of the other initiatives off the drawing board as to have the improvements done in time for the fall sports seasons.

New lights were put up a couple years ago. Nansemond-Suffolk’s main gym, used mainly for basketball and volleyball, got a number of renovations, most noticeably to the playing floor, bleachers and ceiling, three years ago.

“It’s already generating a huge positive buzz around the school community,” Council said.

“For parents, grandparents and alumni who come out to games, we hope this adds a little more pride to how they feel about their school,” Council said.

The field is also used for events such as Pop Warner football and Relay for Life. “So we feel this helps the whole community,” Council said.