December 4, 2013

Board agrees to rebuild Putnam Stadium

 

By MIKE JAMES

The Independent

ASHLAND — It’s official: The Ashland Tomcats and their fans will have a new stadium for the 2014 football season.

 

The Ashland Board of Education on Wednesday agreed unanimously to rebuild Putnam Stadium and hired two construction companies to do the work for $1.46 million.

 

The project includes new concrete foundations — the existing ones will be demolished — bleachers with fold-down VIP chairs, press box, concrete walkways behind the bleachers, fencing and lighting, plus preliminary plumbing for future restrooms.

 

It does not include locker rooms, for which the board expects to pursue financing later.

Read more in Thursday's print edition.

 

Link

Wow, I'm sure it is exciting for Ashland, but I'm kind of sad to see a classic go.

Wow, I'm sure it is exciting for Ashland, but I'm kind of sad to see a classic go.

I would say most would agree with you. But, unfortunately the stadium has deteriorated to the point that it has to be done. A portion of the stadium had to be closed all season, with many seats unusable, due to safety issues.

Are they going to keep it classy and do it old school and classic in keeping with the old stadium or are they going to build a stadium like everyone else?

Are they going to keep it classy and do it old school and classic in keeping with the old stadium or are they going to build a stadium like everyone else?

Not sure. There is supposed to be another article tomorrow, maybe that will shed some light on the plans.

If you were ever in the visitor locker room, you'd definitely be excited that refurbishing is occurring.

Are they going to keep it classy and do it old school and classic in keeping with the old stadium or are they going to build a stadium like everyone else?

It will be the same design as before, it is now but they will bowl in the entrance endzone, to make a full horeshoe style stadium.

Edited December 5, 201312 yr by Ram

If you were ever in the visitor locker room, you'd definitely be excited that refurbishing is occurring.

 

New locker rooms are not part of this phase of the rebuild, hopefully getting the rebuild started will help bring donations back up to finish the project.

It will be the same design as before, it is now but they will bowl in the entrance endzone, to make a full horeshoe style stadium.

That is great, I know at one time they were talking about aluminum bleachers. I am definitely glad they are going to keep the same style that is there now.

That is great, I know at one time they were talking about aluminum bleachers. I am definitely glad they are going to keep the same style that is there now.

 

They are going with aluminum bleachers, but they are the permenant, enclosed type, built into a concrete foundation, with a concrete walkway around the top side of the bleachers. The reserved section will have chairback seats installed. They are going to go ahead and run plumbing for additional restrooms and concession on the home and visitor sde, although those will not be finished until the next phase of the rebuild.

 

So basically the seating area will remain the same, except it will be encloses aluminum instead of concrete, with some chairbacks

and bowled in corners in the entrance endzone. I will miss the concrete stands but it would probably tripple the cost. Enclosed aluminum will probably make the stadium louder though.

They are going with aluminum bleachers, but they are the permenant, enclosed type, built into a concrete foundation, with a concrete walkway around the top side of the bleachers. The reserved section will have chairback seats installed. They are going to go ahead and run plumbing for additional restrooms and concession on the home and visitor sde, although those will not be finished until the next phase of the rebuild.

 

So basically the seating area will remain the same, except it will be encloses aluminum instead of concrete, with some chairbacks

and bowled in corners in the entrance endzone. I will miss the concrete stands but it would probably tripple the cost. Enclosed aluminum will probably make the stadium louder though.

I would prefer the concrete but I understand the expense. I'm sure it will be nice when complete. I look forward to seeing it.

Anyone have some "before" pictures of Putnam they could post?

I was down in the Ashland area a couple of years ago and stopped by for a few pics. The weather wasn't entirely cooperative, as you can see. It's also pretty tough to access anything other than the area directly around the entrance, for good reason. I always meant to get back on a better weather day, but life hasn't cooperated.

 

Field at Putnam Stadium, Ashland, KY | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Ashland Tomcats arch at Putnam Stadium, Ashland, KY | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

Putnam Stadium marker, Ashland, KY | Flickr - Photo Sharing!