RALEIGH—Athens Drive High School will get a long-awaited renovation and update to its athletic facilities, according to a report in the Raleigh News and Observer.

       Wake County's Board of Education has awarded a $5 million construction contract for the improvements, which include a new stadium closer to the school and is scheduled to begin construction this spring.

      The project has a number of elements in addition to the new stadium behind the school, including a concessions and restroom building, support and storage buildings, and parking improvements. The stadium will open during the 2016-17 school year.

      The existing stadium, owned by the city of Raleigh and located about a half-mile from Athens Drive, also will be renovated. Those improvements include upgrades to make the stands more accessible to people with disabilities, and the resurfacing of the track. The old stadium will primarily be used for track and field events.

      Surplus money from the 2006 school construction bond will pay for the project, according to the report.