War Memorial Stadium: An 82-year-old conundrum
What to do about War Memorial Stadium?
The historic, 82-year-old ballpark is in much worse shape that originally thought. The city's plans to keep it intact and in use won't be enough, engineers say.
Even if the city invests an estimated $3 million to $4 million in the structure, it would be only enough to buy another 10 to 15 years of life for the stadium.
Some options to consider:
The city could tear down the insides of the building and keep the facade intact. But that would jeopardize the stadium's spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
They could pump more money into the stadium with two-thirds bonds, which do not require approval from voters. But with so many pressing needs in the city, would it rank as a priority?
The city could partner with N.C. A&T to restore the facility and also seek private funds that support historic preservations.
The city could go to the voters again, and ask in a future bond referendum if they've changed their minds about investing in stadium upgrades. The voters have said no to previous stadium bonds.
Or the city could tear it down and build a new facility.
The stadium isn't just a monument, by the way. It also hosts 200 baseball games a year as a valuable Parks & Recreation Department venue, and it is N.C. A&T's home baseball field.
And it is viewed by residents of the Aycock Historic District a centerpiece of their community.
I certainly have fond memories of the place.
When I attended Lincoln Junior High School, we played our home football games there. Ditto for Dudley High, when I was a student there.
And you don't have to be too old to remember A&T homecoming games there. The stadium also served for many years as the Aggies' home football field.
This isn't an easy problem to solve. The City Council will hear more details on the stadium's condition this week.
When asked by WXII whether the stadium measures up with other priorities, David Hoggard, a longtime stadium proponent and Aycock resident, said, if you follow that kind of thinking, "Tear down the Washington Monument."
Hoggard also is chairman of the city's Parks & Recreation Commission. He's got other stadium thoughts on his blog.
Comments (3)
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I have many fond memories of watching the Greensboro Patriots (later Yankees) from behind third base. Most often a boyhood friend and I scaled the fence on the third base side when no one was looking. Memorial Stadium was a special place to me. I also got to play some junior high school football games there, as well as some American Legion baseball practice. That was many years ago in a different time.
I would like to see the facade of the stadium retained, with the inside structure torn down and replaced with more modern facilities and seating. Instead of government funding (bonds or otherwise) I would prefer seeing N. C. A&T University partner with local charitable organizations in building a first rate ball stadium and associated facilities. The facade should remain as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Greensboro members of the armed services, that help make Memorial Stadium possible.
Posted on August 24, 2008 10:07 PM
Thanks for the comment, Bill.
Others favor keeping the facade as well.
N&R alum Irwin Smallwood favors preserving the facade, but moving it to the coliseum grounds.
I would be curious as to what A&T's views are on the matter. Greensboro College as well, although GC has its new sports complex at the old J.C. Price School site.
Posted on August 25, 2008 12:16 AM
Just a thought.
Why not donate WMS to A&T allowing state funds to renovate with the stipulation that the facade remain intact?
Posted on September 6, 2008 3:48 PM