Kristin Harty Barkley
Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland —
CUMBERLAND — Football fans will face a few “obstacles” and “inconveniences” Friday at Greenway Avenue Stadium, where Fort Hill High School’s 2010 season kicks off in the midst of a $3.3 million renovation.
About 500 Fort Hill faithful are expected to fill the visitor side bleachers for the game against Surrattsville, said Principal Steve Lewis. Concrete bleachers on the home side were demolished last spring, and new metal bleachers aren’t yet ready for an audience.
“Basically, we’re going to be on one side,” said Lewis, who encouraged fans to arrive well in advance of the 7 p.m. game. “Parking’s going to be tough. We know that. Gates open at 5. Come early.”
Lewis and Allegany High School Principal Mike Calhoun met Wednesday afternoon with Allegany County Public School officials to talk about the status of the stadium. Initially, renovations — including the construction of a new field house — were expected to be complete by the start of the football season.
On Wednesday, construction crews were shingling the field house roof and installing metal bleachers in blistering heat. Bulldozers and other heavy equipment lined the road, which has only one open lane.
The Allegany Campers face Southern Garrett in their season opener on Saturday night.
“Well, it’s not finished,” Calhoun said. Like Fort Hill, Allegany has delayed the traditional crowning of the Homecoming king and queen, which usually takes place during the first home game.
“We’re putting that off,” Calhoun said. “... There are some obstacles that we have to overcome. There are going to be some inconveniences.”
For Allegany’s game, the visiting team will use locker rooms inside Fort Hill High School since the field house isn’t done, Calhoun said.
“There will be Porta Potties for the players,” he said. “That’s an inconvenience ... It is what it is. It’s frustrating at times. But when you look over there and see what is being built, it’s going to be worth it. I think it’s gorgeous.”
Both principals are hoping renovations will be complete by Oct. 1. Allegany County Public Schools Director of Facilities Vince Montana couldn’t be reached Wednesday for comment.
The community has contributed more than $400,000 to help fix the 73-year-old stadium, which has been named the No. 1 football stadium in Maryland, but has been deteriorating for years. Last spring, the Allegany County Board of Education signed a $3.23 million contract with Callas Contractors of Hagerstown for Phase I of the renovation.
Fred Cook, who has organized the Greenway Avenue Stadium Marathon for the last two years, raising about $21,000 for the stadium, plans to be at both Friday and Saturday night’s games. A Fort Hill graduate and football player, he has a step-grandson who plays for Allegany.
“We’re looking forward to going up there for it,” said Cook, who has visited the construction site about every three days since renovations began. “Everybody I talk to really likes it. It’s kind of disappointing it’s not done, but hey, for something that’s going to be there for 75 or 100 years, it is worth the wait.”
Contact Kristin Harty Barkley at kbarkley@times-news.com.
