New Freedom Field at Veritas Prep

The Veritas Prep Falcons opened their football season under the Friday night lights against Camp Verde. But this was no ordinary season opener. It was the first game played on the newly overhauled Freedom Field, featuring brand-new field lights, stadium bleachers, fencing, and a press box.

The Freedom Field was made possible by the generosity of two extraordinary friends of the Veritas community, Rachel Lund-Sinatra and Brad Lund, who were formally recognized by Athletic Director Bryan Kineburg during the half-time dedication of the new field. “I think ultimately this is going to provide an opportunity for our community to gather here and have a great place to watch sports for many years to come,” said Kineburg. The Lund family has generously given to the Veritas community for well over a decade and were the first donors for the field improvements.

This was also the inaugural game for Veritas Prep’s first-ever designated student section on the north side of the bleachers, known as The Flock. The Flock is a student-run, faculty-supported group created to bring students together, supporting the Falcon athletic teams, and bring some extra energy and school spirit to game days. All 9th–12th grade students are welcome to participate with the goal of building intentional school spirit, creating a stronger sense of community, and making their athletic events even more fun for everyone.

Head Football Coach Mike Sanfratello said this is new field is part of a vision that started seven years ago. “We had a big vision for the field and that was going to be the bigger project. And so, to be able to play a game here underneath the lights that are not gas-powered, that’s going to light the whole field, and to have people in the stands that will be able to actually see the great plays that their kids are going to make,” explained Coach Sanfratello. “You know, in the past, if you made a good play maybe this half of the stadium saw it but this half of the stadium didn’t. So, we’re hoping that brings synergy and pride, and it just should be an overall better experience for the Veritas Prep community.”

Former Veritas Prep Athletic Director Chase Beebe, who now serves as the athletic director at Cicero Prep, was also in attendance. Beebe played an instrumental role in the direction of the new field. He recalled the dream of a new stadium starting in a local coffee shop with Coach Sanfratello when he started his career at Great Hearts. “We talked about… having a visionary mindset and setting time aside to just envision what could be,” he said. “So, I credit him to a lot of the start of this and then him and I and a few of the other members of the Veritas team put this idea into place. We got some mock-ups done up and then really got the community on board.”

Arriving at the new field for the first time, Beebe admitted to almost shedding a tear. “Pulling up today… my heart felt really warm just to see a stadium. It’s going to benefit the cheer squad. It’s going to benefit the student section. And then the athletes too. They deserve this.”

Congratulations to the Veritas Prep Falcons on their new home at the Freedom Field. With new lights, stadium seating, a press box, and a soon-to-be-completed entrance gate, the field is ready to welcome the Veritas community.

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