Despite the project falling behind schedule, Northern Durham expects to play its home football games at Durham County Memorial Stadium this fall.
Jun 29, 2009
DURHAM — It was announced last fall that Durham County Memorial Stadium was going to go through a series of upgrades, with the first phase completed by the spring of 2009.
Spring has come and gone, and the renovations are not complete, but Northern Durham High School – who plays their home football games at the stadium – expects to host games there this fall.
"The first phase of the upgrades is supposed to be done by August," head coach Anthony Sullivan said. "As far as I know, the plan is still to play there this fall."
The first phase of renovations will include new field turf, adjustable goal posts, a new scoreboard and an eight-lane track, according to a report from the The Stadium Authority last September.
Phase two, which is expected to be completed by the 2010 football season, would include rocker room improvements, new ticket booths and changes to the main concourse. Improvements to the concession stands and restrooms would also be done, as well as an expansion of the current press box.
The Stadium Authority recommended a budget of more than $7 million to the Board of Commissioners last fall.
"I don't think there's a better venue for high school football in the Triangle," Sullivan said of the stadium. "These kids are excited to have these improvements on the way."
Sullivan took over the Northern Durham program in 2008, and ever since he started, he has been talking about restoring the image of and excitement around the Northern Durham football program.
"We had nothing to do with the improvements to the stadium, but the facelift kind of goes along with what we're trying to do here with this program," said Sullivan.
"For a high school team to play on field turf, the stuff that all the area colleges are playing on, that's pretty special," Sullivan said. "I doubt some of these kids even know what field turf is."
Northern Durham plays all home football games at Durham County Memorial Stadium, a short distance from the school itself. The school does not have an adequate stadium on campus to hold football games on Friday nights.
Sullivan acknowledged that it is not always ideal for "every game to be an away game" but insisted that his team plays at the best high school football venue in the area.
A big Southern California fan, Sullivan compared his program to UCLA.
"Going to Durham County [Memorial] Stadium is like UCLA at all their home games; only our stadium is closer," said Sullivan. "It's off campus, but it's a great atmosphere."
The Northern Durham football program has already hosted a youth football camp and a 7-on-7 competition this summer, but all summer activities are taking place at the school's on-campus facilities.
Northern Durham's first home game will be Aug. 28 when the Knights host Rocky Mount. They will open the season on Aug. 21.
The team's Blue-Gold Scrimmage is scheduled to be held on Aug. 13.
Contact Nick Stevens at nstevens@highschoolot.com.
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