đź“°SACO | Thornton Academy Unveils Transformational Miles Field House
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
~Letter to the Buzz~ May 30, 2026
By Haley Magnell, Secretary, Thornton Academy Alumni Board, TA Class 2010
Dear Biddeford Buzz,
Saturday was a landmark day for the Thornton Academy community as students, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and supporters gathered to celebrate the official unveiling of the new Miles Field House, one of the largest athletic facility investments ever made by a Maine high school.
The opening of the impressive new facility marks a significant milestone in Thornton Academy’s history and reflects a bold commitment to the future of its students and community.
Spanning approximately 49,000 square feet, the Miles Field House was designed to support a wide range of athletic, academic, and community activities. The facility features three full-size courts, allowing multiple basketball games, volleyball matches, physical education classes, and community events to take place at the same time. It also includes a 200-meter indoor track and a dedicated sprint training area, creating year-round opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and develop regardless of Maine’s weather conditions.
More than just an athletic facility, the Miles Field House will serve as a central gathering place for campus life. The space will host physical education classes, basketball and volleyball competitions, indoor track training, indoor tennis, and alternative practice opportunities for fall and spring sports during inclement weather. It will also provide a home for school assemblies, pep rallies, commencement ceremonies, and other events that bring the Thornton Academy community together. Information regarding public access to the facility has not yet been released.
The project was driven by a growing need for additional athletic and wellness space. The new facility replaces the aging Linnell Gymnasium, which was built in 1963. Since then, Thornton Academy’s enrollment has more than doubled, increasing the demand for modern facilities that can support the needs of today’s students and programs.
With a project cost of approximately $14.5 million, the Miles Field House was funded through generous donations and Thornton Academy resources rather than public tax dollars. The result is a facility that rivals many found on small college campuses and stands among the most ambitious athletic complexes associated with a Maine secondary school.
Visitors touring the building have praised its spacious design, college-style courts, indoor walking and running areas, modern training spaces, and expansive gathering areas capable of hosting school-wide events. Every detail reflects a vision centered on opportunity, wellness, and community connection.
As an alumna, assistant girls lacrosse coach, and member of the Alumni Association, I could not be more thrilled for our students and our community. The opportunities this creates are truly unmatched. No more late-night practices squeezed into limited gym space. No more canceled practices because of bad weather. This facility gives our students every opportunity to grow, compete, and succeed while creating new possibilities for fitness, wellness, and community engagement.
For many members of the Thornton Academy family, the significance of the Miles Field House extends far beyond the building itself. The opening of the Miles Field House represents more than the completion of a construction project. It represents an investment in future generations of Thornton Academy students and a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
As the doors officially open, excitement is already building for the countless practices, competitions, celebrations, and memories that will take place inside the Miles Field House for decades to come.
I’m so proud to be a part of the Thornton Academy community and to share this news. Forever a Trojan!
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