LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The second phase of construction for the Southside High Stadium will get to start sooner than expected, the Lafayette Parish School Board announced.

The Lafayette Parish School Board made the decision Wednesday night to approve pre-funding the $12 million project, which will allow work to start early next year.

Lafayette Parish District 9 School Board Member Jeremy Hidalgo expressed appreciation to fellow board members, saying everyone succeeds when they work together for the good of the community.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my fellow board members for their courage and vision, much like in 2015 when we voted to build Southside High School," Hidalgo said in a news release.

Phase one of the project consisted of laying down turf on the field and inserting a scoreboard and lights. Phase two should include brining in extra parking areas, bathrooms, concession facilities and more.

Hidalgo anticipates the Southside Sharks will be playing their 2025-2026 football season in the new stadium, according to a news release.

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