Stephanie Hobbs would be thrilled to have new neighbors.

As president of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation, she supports what could be the future home for the Knights’ football and soccer programs.

The proposed 1,500-seat Ripon Christian Athletic Complex received approval Tuesday by Ripon Planning Commission. There is no time line as of yet but RC officials can soon plan on doing some fundraising.

“I’m wholeheartedly excited about Ripon Christian’s plans for their beautiful new athletic complex,” said Hobbs, who, along with her husband, Vince, was a catalyst for renovating Stouffer Field.

During football season, the Ripon High stadium serves as home field for both the Indians and Knights.

“We were mindful of the fact that RC having its own field would give Ripon High’s new field a much-needed break,” said Stephanie Hobbs following the planning commission session.

She added: “The original vision for our facility called for synthetic turf due to the high number of games played on it. Though we will still be over the recommended number of games for a natural grass field, there will be fewer games every year when (RC) gets its own field.”

RC families have also donated to the RCAF efforts. “We appreciate the partnership we’ve formed with their crew,” Hobbs said.

Meanwhile, the site plan consists of renovating 3.65-acre field – currently a dirt track with the infield used for soccer games coupled with some portable bleachers for spectators – that eventually will serve as a link to 17.11 acres on the RC campus that’s home to the Knights’ baseball and softball programs.

Plans call for elevated slopes and permanent bleachers, scoreboard, and a two-story press box / coaching box. Trees would be part of the landscape along with a courtyard and a memorial water fountain.

The bleachers on the home side would accommodate 1,000 seats while the visitor’s side would seat 500.

Hobbs had been aware of RC’s plan for a new football / soccer facility. She mentioned meeting with Bill Kamps of the Knights football program some time ago, offering all of her resources on the matter.

“After watching RHS football team have its best season I 29 years, I’m convinced there is a connection between pride in your home field and motivation and heart,” she said. “RC student success is Ripon’s success and future.”