By LEAH WEATHERSBY

The new sports complex at Ingraham High School, located at 1819 N 135th St., will have its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Construction of the complex started last April. The project, which was funded by Seattle Public Schools' 1998 building, technology and athletics levy, features six outdoor tennis courts, a football field which can also be used for soccer games, and baseball diamond and softball diamond. The baseball fields can also be used for soccer practice. The cost of the project was $7.4 million.

The football field has adjacent bleachers which can seat 600-1,000 spectators and a concession stand. It also has the same grass-like turf that is used at Husky Stadium. The artificial turf field will even be filled with fake rubber dirt, which has a natural look but keeps athletes clean.

Ingraham's assistant principal, Martin Floe, said the fields will still be open to the public. "If you want to come in the morning and walk around the track, please do so - only now you'll be clean and you'll be dry," Floe said.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the sport complex - the field lighting - has yet to be installed. Lynn Steinberg, a spokeswoman for the School District, said those are still a year to a year and a half away. In the meantime, Floe said, all school games including football will have to be played in the afternoon or on weekends.

In some ways, Floe said, after school games might increase school involvement by attracting more student spectators.

The grand opening event for Ingraham's sports complex will include an open house with tours will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A dedication ceremony will be held at 12:45 p.m., followed by a homecoming football game, which kicks off at 1 p.m.

For more information, call 252-4000. (