A New Era for Hi-Liner Athletics: Turf Coming to Hanna Field

Image of the design for a new turf serface at Hanna Field

Valley City is about to change the way it trains, competes, and develops athletes—permanently.

Valley City Public Schools and Essentia Health officially announced a 10-year partnership this week, highlighted by a full renovation of Hanna Field, including the installation of a new synthetic turf surface scheduled for summer 2026.

This isn’t just a facility upgrade. It’s a shift in what’s possible for Hi-Liner athletics.

For years, weather and field conditions have dictated how and when Valley City could practice, especially during the early and late parts of the season. Wet fields, worn-down grass, and limited space weren’t just inconveniences—they directly impacted development.

“This gives us a controlled environment every single day,” said head football coach Chad Smith. “We’re no longer guessing with field conditions or repainting practice lines—we can coach spacing, timing, and execution the way it’s actually supposed to look.”

That level of consistency changes everything.

Football is built on repetition and precision. When you can consistently train in the same environment you compete in, the details improve—alignment, spacing, timing, communication. The new turf surface will allow Valley City athletes to maximize those reps while preserving the field for game-day performance.

“It changes how we practice,” Smith added. “Now we can consistently work red zone, middle-of-the-field concepts, situational football—without worrying about tearing up the field or losing space. That’s real development we were missing.”

The benefits extend beyond just football. The new surface will increase access for multiple programs, physical education classes, youth activities, and community events. In the past, heavy usage from multiple groups often came at the cost of field quality. That tradeoff is now eliminated.

And from a competitive standpoint, the impact is immediate.

“This is a competitive advantage—no question,” Smith said. “Being the only turf field in our region, we get to bring teams into our environment and showcase what Valley City is about. That matters for our players and our community.”

The design itself reflects that identity. “VALLEY CITY” will anchor one end zone, with “HI-LINERS” on the other, centered around a bold midfield logo. It’s a clean, modern look—but more importantly, it’s a visual statement of pride.

This project is backed by a long-term partnership with Essentia Health, focused on more than athletics. Expanded access to healthcare services, enhanced student support systems, and a commitment to overall wellness are central to the agreement—helping remove barriers so students can perform at their best both on and off the field.

The timing also aligns with the district’s long-term vision, including the transition to a new grades 3–12 school in 2028. Together, these investments signal a clear direction for Valley City’s future.

“This is bigger than football,” Smith said. “With the new school coming and continued investment in our programs, this is about building something our athletes and community can take pride in—and raising the standard of what Hi-Liner athletics looks like.”

Valley City will enter the upcoming seasons with a new field, upgraded facilities, and a renewed sense of momentum across its programs. For the Hi-Liners, the opportunity is clear.

Photos of the transformation of Hanna Field over the decades: