Stadium’s ‘phase one’ nearly complete: Improving bleachers on home side almost finished

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Renovations to the home side bleachers at Nunley Stadium are nearly complete, as new concrete bleachers have been formed.

As the Pioneer football team’s opening night approaches, Nunley Stadium is being prepared for the team’s 2003 season.

Workers from Apex Construction have been busy pouring concrete on the home side for new seating, which will consist of aluminum bench-style seat for the entire home section. The new aluminum seats will not be in place for the first two games, however, according Apex’s Greg Brock.

“The concrete is finished,” Brock said, “but the aluminum benches will not be in place until after the four-game road trip.

” The seats had to be manufactured, and the company is still working on them. After the first two home games we should have the seats and get them installed during the Pioneers’ away games — barring any unforeseen circumstances. For the first two games people will have to bring stadium seats or sit on the concrete like before. Everything is ready; we just have to wait for the seats to be delivered.”

The seating improvements, however, are just one phase of the remodeling scheduled for Nunley Stadium. The next step will be to renovate the press box, concession stand and the addition of bathrooms for the visitors’ side of the field.

The remaining projects should get underway this winter and spring, provided the county commission approves a $1.2 million bond. The bond money would also include funds for the renovation of the Warren County Middle School auditorium, as well as a multi-purpose field house to be built at the high school.

“These projects are long overdue,” county commissioner Bill Zechman said of the renovations. “I hope we are able to get the bond approved while interest rates and construction cost remain low, and our hope is to secure the bond without an increase in property taxes.

“The present debt service levy without any change is not guaranteed. But by doing this now instead of later, will save money for the taxpayers, and it’s to everyone’s advantage. This is not a new issue and we have to address the situation. The cost for the renovations will only increase if we don’t act now instead of later.”

The next meeting for the county commission will be Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m., when the bond issue is scheduled be discussed. Zechman noted citizens are welcome to voice their opinions on the matter by either attending the meeting themselves, or by contacting their county commissioner.