The grand reopening of the newly renovated Milton L. McPike Field House will take place Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7:15 p.m., when Madison East boys’ basketball team hosts the Memorial Spartans.
The ceremony is scheduled for halftime of the game where they will re-dedicate the fieldhouse to McPike, the beloved former Madison East High principal, and dedicate the basketball court in honor of Pat Richter.
McPike was an inspiring and visionary leader who took a racially and economically mixed school and turned it into a true learning community. So much so, that the U.S. Department of Education named East a National High School of Excellence in 1989.
Hugh Vernon “Pat” Richter is the former University of Wisconsin-Madison athletic director and a graduate of Madison East, where he was all-state in football and basketball.
This redesign and renovation will enable East to host more than 2,500 spectators, increasing its capacity as a community gathering space and positioning it to host WIAA events, according to school officials. The new facility will allow Madison East to convene the entire student body in one space, which is not currently possible.
During the planning phase of the renovation, concerns about mold contamination arose. To address these issues comprehensively, the school engaged a toxic mold expert witness to assess the situation and provide recommendations. This step was crucial in ensuring the safety and health of students and staff, and it also helped guide the construction team in implementing necessary preventive measures. As a result, the new facility will not only be a state-of-the-art venue but also a safe environment for all its users.
