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Thursday, July 9, 2020

Stands, press box at Gentry Stadium demolished

The stands and press box at Gentry Stadium have been removed. The land is being prepared for the construction of a new press box and seating as part of a $3.1 million renovation project. (Erwin Record Staff Photo by Richard Rourk)

By Richard Rourk

The demolition to Gentry Stadium is moving right along since crews began tearing down the stands on Dec. 2.

According to Unicoi County Director of Schools John English, the project has entered into the next phase of renovation.

“The demolition is done and the workers are leveling and reinforcing the land for the building of the stands and press box,” English said.

English acknowledged that the lights have been removed as well as the old stands and press box.

“As you can see the stands have been removed, and the lights are gone,” English said. “Once the rebuild is complete there will be new LED lights, and new, more secure stands with several cushioned back seats for purchase. There will be a new press box and over near the rest area, there will be a new concession stand.”

Preston Construction was selected to complete construction at Gentry Stadium following a unanimous vote during an October meeting of the Unicoi County Board of Education. Preston Construction’s bid was for $3,154,100 following a few cuts by the school board

According to English, the project, including paving the gravel parking area at Gentry Stadium, will be completed before the Unicoi County High School Blue Devil football kicks off its 2020 football season.