The original lights were purchased from New Philadelphia High School. Prior to 1957, games were played on the field but there were no seats or lights. Kelley Field had been a constant in the football program since it was constructed by the Midvale Blue Devils Booster Club, along with the help of some students. Kelley Field will still be used by the junior high football team. The project was overseen by ThenDesign Architecture and Beaver Constructors Inc. Overflow parking would be on the grass, which is common at many other facilities. The new parking area will hold about 250 cars, which would cover day-to-day use and most events. “Lastly, although not totally completed yet, our new field house is going to benefit all IV athletes, especially once the new weight room is completed,” said Lancaster. The concession stand and public restrooms also will be located in the field house. Student athletes in every sport will be benefit from the weight room within the field house.Īfter football season is over, the visitors’ locker room will double as a wrestling room in the winter. Another 680 seats were in the end zone bleachers. The capacity of the new stadium is set at 3,000 with 2,100 seats on the home side and 800 on the visitors side.īy comparison, Kelley Field’s capacity was 2,615 with 1,455 on the home side and 480 for visitors. The new $7.285 million stadium and field house is ready for action. Coaches have found that we can be much more efficient in practice and simulate game conditions better than on our grass practice field (which was not even close to official size).” Also, having the consistent surface to practice on is great. Just having the locker room to leave equipment in, get dressed and shower in, etc., is a luxury compared to what our kids have had to do for years. Our kids have never had locker rooms and have always had to get dressed for practice out of the trunks of their cars. “Just our kids having locker rooms right where we practice is a huge deal for us. “The biggest impact on our coaches and kids has to do more with practice and less with games,” noted Lancaster. And having it next to the high school just gives everything more of a complete campus feel.” “It saves us from bussing kids over to Midvale when needed and eliminates the risk of kids having to drive themselves. “Having this new stadium right next to the high school is phenomenal, too,” said Lancaster. The Braves will have a true home field for the first time in their history. We are truly blessed and thankful that our community came together to provide this facility for generations of IV kids to come.“ “Our motto this year is ’New Home, Same FAMILY,’” said Lancaster. Indian Valley head coach Matt Lancaster said its an exciting time for the Braves football program. “I think everyone in the community is going to be really happy with it.” “It really came together nicely,” he added. “We had the kids out there during their summer camp and you should have seen the smiles on their faces and the coaches as well.” Indian Valley Athletic Director Nick Swaldo said it was worth the wait. Indian Valley had played at Kelley Field in Midvale since the consolidation of Indian Valley's North and South high schools back in 1988. It's the first new stadium opening in the area since Tuscarawas Central Catholic debuted their digs back in 2008. IV did have a dress rehearsal last Saturday by hosting West Holmes in a scrimmage, but Friday night’s the real deal. The Braves will open their brand spanking new stadium complex when they host Inter-Valley Conference crossover foe Buckeye Trail in the 2020 regular season opener. GNADENHUTTEN A new era in Indian Valley football history will officially begin Friday night.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |