Kannapolis Memorial Stadium
"Home of the Wonders"
"The Transformation of Memorial Stadium"
"Scroll Down to See Complete Project Galleries"
"Making Memorial Stadium a Showplace"
Locker Room Renovations 2022
08-26-22: Over the last several months, the Locker Room facility at A.L. Brown High School has been undergoing an extreme makeover. The news was kept confidential until most of the work on the updates could be completed. The new updates include new lockers, Floor resurfacing, paint scheme, and the Center Piece of it all The Wonders "Legends Wall"
FNIK was approached by coach Mike Newsome in late May to contribute photos of past Wonder standouts that are in the FNIK Archives for the construction of the Wall. 39 photos were submitted including photos of the State Title teams of 1989 and 1997, WNCHSAA Co Champions of 1960, and State Runner Up Teams of 1984, 1991, and 2008. In addition submitted was the infamous Bell Exchange photo of 1971. What you see in these photos are pictures that were selected to be a part of what will eventually be a continuation of the Wall as work within the facility continues.
FNIK wants to thank Coach Mike Newsome for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to what you see in these photos, and I might add that the photos don't do this justice. It was an honor, but a daunting task to go through all of the Wonder standouts I had photos of. I believe the Wall will be an inspiration to future Wonder hopefuls who pass through the doors of this facility, and encourage them to put forth their best efforts to possibly one day become one of the standouts who adorn this tribute to Kannapolis Football in the years to come.
Wonder Nation should be very proud of what was accomplished for the Wonder Football Program with these updates to the facility. I commend Head Coach Mike Newsome for having the vision and dedication to seeing this done on behalf of our tradition rich program here in K-Town. It is something I feel was long overdue. My compliments Coach, and thank you again for allowing me to contribute. Go Wonders!! -The editor
FNIK was approached by coach Mike Newsome in late May to contribute photos of past Wonder standouts that are in the FNIK Archives for the construction of the Wall. 39 photos were submitted including photos of the State Title teams of 1989 and 1997, WNCHSAA Co Champions of 1960, and State Runner Up Teams of 1984, 1991, and 2008. In addition submitted was the infamous Bell Exchange photo of 1971. What you see in these photos are pictures that were selected to be a part of what will eventually be a continuation of the Wall as work within the facility continues.
FNIK wants to thank Coach Mike Newsome for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to what you see in these photos, and I might add that the photos don't do this justice. It was an honor, but a daunting task to go through all of the Wonder standouts I had photos of. I believe the Wall will be an inspiration to future Wonder hopefuls who pass through the doors of this facility, and encourage them to put forth their best efforts to possibly one day become one of the standouts who adorn this tribute to Kannapolis Football in the years to come.
Wonder Nation should be very proud of what was accomplished for the Wonder Football Program with these updates to the facility. I commend Head Coach Mike Newsome for having the vision and dedication to seeing this done on behalf of our tradition rich program here in K-Town. It is something I feel was long overdue. My compliments Coach, and thank you again for allowing me to contribute. Go Wonders!! -The editor
East End Zone Retaining Wall Construction
05-05-23: In early May of 2023, work began on the construction of an all new Concrete Retaining Wall on the Bullock Gym side entrance to Memorial Stadium. This was done not only to serve as a cosmetic update, but to address drainage issues in the East End Zone that was threatening the new Turf. Work was completed on May 25th, and the new addition added an all ne dimension to that side of the Stadium. The Hill walkway was widened, and access to the field was improved substantially.
Composite Track Construction
05-25-23: Around the same time as the new Retaining Wall was being added to the update list, work on the Stadium's all new Composite Track began. The old Track was demolished and removed, and thus began the task of laying down the new Base. The Track was completed with markings on August 10, 2023, just eight days from opening night 2023.
"Home Sweet Home"
An Historical Overview of Memorial Stadium
Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. There is just Something about the very mention of this place that brings excitement to the heart, and pride to the soul. Many times I've walked into this shrine to high school football in Cabarrus County by myself, and stood silently reflecting. If I closed my eyes I could almost hear the roar of thousands of cheering fans, and the sounds of the marching band in my brain. A piece of hallowed ground for many who have left blood, sweat, and tears on it's lush Green grass. To stand in the middle of that field, and reflect on the triumphs, and tragedies that have all taken place upon this hallowed ground is almost overwhelming.
I've stood alone in the southeast end zone where Vernon Grier just missed the deflected pass that would have given the Wonders a chance to tie the battle for the bell game in 1974. I've stood alone in the southwest corner of the end zone where Scott Jordan made history in 1990 with his amazing catch that beat Concord with no time remaining. I've stood alone at the one yard line of the east end zone where Taurus Johnson was stopped just short of a two point conversion that would have tied North Rowan in 1992, and I've stood alone at midfield where countless exchanges of the victory bell have taken place. In short there are not too many places on that field you can't stand where some significant event didn't take place in Wonder football history throughout the fifty six years the stadium has been in existence.
I asked one of the coaches years ago how they kept the field looking so green, and he told me it was due to good fertilizer, soil, and a dedicated maintenance crew, but I have another theory. I believe it's due to the above mentioned Blood, Sweat, and Tears that have fallen to the ground from the countless young Wonders who have competed on that field over the course of time, and whose ghosts still reside between the home and visitor stands. To stand in the middle of that field and take all this history in gives you a deeper appreciation of the place we call home. Indeed Kannapolis Memorial Stadium is a special place.
Construction on the stadium began in early 1958 and cost $96,000.00 to build. The stadium was designed in a natural bowl layout with an all natural grass playing surface. The South home side was designed to accommodate 4000 spectators while the North visitor side was designed to hold an additional 2000 spectators. The stadium was designed to hold a maximum capacity of fifteen thousand spectators by enclosing the West end zone bank. Kannapolis Memorial Stadium officially opened for play on September 5, 1958, and was dedicated to the countless heroes from our community who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country.
That night 4800 fans watched the Wonders host the Boyden Yellow Jackets who would later become the Salisbury Hornets for its inaugural game. The Wonders dropped that game 20-7 to the Yellow Jackets, but Kannapolis Memorial Stadium had been officially christened. Later in the week on September 12, 1958 the stadium was officially dedicated during a special ceremony at the stadium, afterwards the Wonders would take on the Albemarle Bulldogs as it's official dedication contest. The Wonders would drop their dedication game to the Bulldogs 14-6. In 1959, members of the American Legion (Beaver-Pittman post 115) of Kannapolis erected a monument which sits proudly in the East end zone of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, in memory of the many veterans from our community who gave their lives in service of our county. The inscription on the monument reads as follows.
"In memory of the men and women from this community who served their country in gallant sacrifice in all wars"
Erected by Beaver-Pittman Post-115 American Legion
1959
Kannapolis Memorial Stadium
I've stood alone in the southeast end zone where Vernon Grier just missed the deflected pass that would have given the Wonders a chance to tie the battle for the bell game in 1974. I've stood alone in the southwest corner of the end zone where Scott Jordan made history in 1990 with his amazing catch that beat Concord with no time remaining. I've stood alone at the one yard line of the east end zone where Taurus Johnson was stopped just short of a two point conversion that would have tied North Rowan in 1992, and I've stood alone at midfield where countless exchanges of the victory bell have taken place. In short there are not too many places on that field you can't stand where some significant event didn't take place in Wonder football history throughout the fifty six years the stadium has been in existence.
I asked one of the coaches years ago how they kept the field looking so green, and he told me it was due to good fertilizer, soil, and a dedicated maintenance crew, but I have another theory. I believe it's due to the above mentioned Blood, Sweat, and Tears that have fallen to the ground from the countless young Wonders who have competed on that field over the course of time, and whose ghosts still reside between the home and visitor stands. To stand in the middle of that field and take all this history in gives you a deeper appreciation of the place we call home. Indeed Kannapolis Memorial Stadium is a special place.
Construction on the stadium began in early 1958 and cost $96,000.00 to build. The stadium was designed in a natural bowl layout with an all natural grass playing surface. The South home side was designed to accommodate 4000 spectators while the North visitor side was designed to hold an additional 2000 spectators. The stadium was designed to hold a maximum capacity of fifteen thousand spectators by enclosing the West end zone bank. Kannapolis Memorial Stadium officially opened for play on September 5, 1958, and was dedicated to the countless heroes from our community who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country.
That night 4800 fans watched the Wonders host the Boyden Yellow Jackets who would later become the Salisbury Hornets for its inaugural game. The Wonders dropped that game 20-7 to the Yellow Jackets, but Kannapolis Memorial Stadium had been officially christened. Later in the week on September 12, 1958 the stadium was officially dedicated during a special ceremony at the stadium, afterwards the Wonders would take on the Albemarle Bulldogs as it's official dedication contest. The Wonders would drop their dedication game to the Bulldogs 14-6. In 1959, members of the American Legion (Beaver-Pittman post 115) of Kannapolis erected a monument which sits proudly in the East end zone of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, in memory of the many veterans from our community who gave their lives in service of our county. The inscription on the monument reads as follows.
"In memory of the men and women from this community who served their country in gallant sacrifice in all wars"
Erected by Beaver-Pittman Post-115 American Legion
1959
Kannapolis Memorial Stadium
Kannapolis Memorial Stadium
9-11 Commemoration Night 2015
"East Endzone Memorial Monument and Flag"
Take a Walk Down the Hill Into
the
"House of Horrors"
"Press Box View"
"North Visitor's Side View"
"West Endzone View"
"Field Side View"
"The Kannapolis Memorial Stadium Cannon"
One of the more iconic symbols at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium without question is the cannon which resides in the West end zone of the stadium. It is certainly the loudest.
Step Inside the Locker and Equipment Room
(Please Kick Off Your Feet Before Entering)
Game Day Field Preparation
To keep Kannapolis Memorial Stadium looking first class takes lots of hard work, man hours, materials, and funds to supply those materials. Fans coming into Memorial Stadium, and visitors alike get the pleasure of seeing the finished product in all its glory on game night, but many are oblivious to the work that goes on behind the scenes before fans ever purchase their tickets. I woke up early one morning on the week of the Wonders opening game with Shelby in 2011 to capture this pictorial documentary below. Here is a sneak look behind the scenes into some of the toils that go into developing the field into what we all see every week on Friday Nights in K-Town.
Laying Out Hashmarks
Yard Markers and Numerics
"The Icing on the Cake"
Nothing looks better than that big block "K" outlined in blue in the middle of the field at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. Its the stamp of approval for Wonder fans.
The Finished Product and Ready for Friday Nights in K-Town
Well, there you have it. a look into what it takes to make our house the showplace it has become. You've seen the time that is spent, and the dedication, and pride the coaches have in making your visit to Memorial Stadium a pleasant experience. Where else could one imagine being on Friday night during the months of August through November? The roar of the crowd, the band, and cheerleaders not to mention the best you can hope to see in high school football giving you an exhibition on one of the most visually striking stages anywhere in the state. No doubt there will be more upgrades to the facility as the years press on which will only add to the facilities already pristine look. Kannapolis Memorial Stadium is definitely one of the most hospitable locations you can attend to watch high school football, but one of the most menacing if you are an opposing team playing here.
** All Photos Taken by the Editor for Friday Nights in K-Town **
** All Photos Taken by the Editor for Friday Nights in K-Town **
2012 Field Drainage Improvements
With winter 2012 in full swing the lush green grass of Memorial Stadium has long disappeared and the big block "K" that festoons midfield has begun to fade with daily weathering. As the change in climate began in mid October of 2011 the grass of Memorial Stadium began to turn a lovely shade of brown as fall in Kannapolis fell, and football continued. By early November the field had completed it's transformation to yellow just in time for the first round of playoffs. So goes the natural evolution of the field at Memorial Stadium during the fall football season.
While gathering information in early 2011 for this section of Friday Nights in K-Town I was speaking with members of the grounds crew about preparation, and upkeep of the playing field. I was told the facility has been experiencing technical issues with the current irrigation system for some time now, and those issues were directly affecting the look and consistency of the playing field. Drainage was another big issue as the west end of the field from the fifteen yard line to the rear of the west endzone had the tendency to remain soggy after continuous rain fall. One would have only had to walk on that end of the field after the Central Cabarrus game this past year to realize the severity of that problem. Repairs were inevitably needed, and in December of 2011 the athletic department of A.L. Brown High School began the tedius task of trenching, and removal of the old antiquated sprinkler system that supplied water to the field for so many years. The task requires the placement of nearly a thousand feet of PVC to make way for a new fully automated state of the art eight head sprinkler system. The new system will have a multi effect capability offering a wide variety of water delivery options for the playing field. According to sources to FIK, work on the new irrigation system is expected to be completed by March of 2012. This being just one of the many field and facility upgrades the Kannapolis Boosters Club and Athletic Department of A.L. Brown High School have in the works. A three phase plan that will dramatically alter the look of what we all know as "Our House"
While gathering information in early 2011 for this section of Friday Nights in K-Town I was speaking with members of the grounds crew about preparation, and upkeep of the playing field. I was told the facility has been experiencing technical issues with the current irrigation system for some time now, and those issues were directly affecting the look and consistency of the playing field. Drainage was another big issue as the west end of the field from the fifteen yard line to the rear of the west endzone had the tendency to remain soggy after continuous rain fall. One would have only had to walk on that end of the field after the Central Cabarrus game this past year to realize the severity of that problem. Repairs were inevitably needed, and in December of 2011 the athletic department of A.L. Brown High School began the tedius task of trenching, and removal of the old antiquated sprinkler system that supplied water to the field for so many years. The task requires the placement of nearly a thousand feet of PVC to make way for a new fully automated state of the art eight head sprinkler system. The new system will have a multi effect capability offering a wide variety of water delivery options for the playing field. According to sources to FIK, work on the new irrigation system is expected to be completed by March of 2012. This being just one of the many field and facility upgrades the Kannapolis Boosters Club and Athletic Department of A.L. Brown High School have in the works. A three phase plan that will dramatically alter the look of what we all know as "Our House"
**All Photos Taken by the Editor for Friday Nights in K -Town**
"Winter Wonder-Land 2014"
"The New Era of Memorial Stadium Begins "
$892.000.00 Turf Project Will Give Stadium a 21st Century Look
07-10-2019: The new era of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium began today as excavation commenced on the installation of an artificial playing surface at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. This will be the first major renovations to the historic Stadium since the stadium was built in 1958. The field turf along with the resurfacing of the existing track is estimated to cost around $892,000.00 when completed. Funding for the project was possible by way of a $1.3 million loan approved by Rowan County Commissioners last May.
The loan allows Kannapolis City Schools to make stadium renovations, as well as turning an existing building into a career and technical education facility. The loan covers the majority of the $1.73 million needed to make the improvements, with Kannapolis City schools using capital improvement funding to cover the difference, said Director of Business Operations Will Crabtree. Stadium upgrades will involve resurfacing the track and adding artificial grass, or turf, to the field. Those upgrades are estimated to cost $892,000. The stadium project, in particular, has been on the to-do list for years, Crabtree said. Rowan County Commissioners approved the $1.3 million dollar loan from First National Bank, which comes with an interest rate of 2.67 percent. Others submitting financing proposals included BB&T, Signature Public Funding Corp, First Bank and PNC Public Finance. First National Bank’s interest rate was lowest among the five submitting proposals. Kannapolis City Schools receives funding from two counties, however, the loan did not require approval from Cabarrus County, only Rowan County. While the two counties have collaborated on Kannapolis City Schools projects in the past, typically funding occurs through one county. -Salisbury Post
Excavation was originally set to commence the first week of June, but due to graduation proceedings was extended to the first of July. The new project begins with mixed emotions from Wonder Football loyalist who have witnessed over six decades of Wonder football on a natural grass playing field, and who are historically resistant to change. Ease of care, and overall safety for the athletes were cited as the determining factors for the switch over, with many high school athletic fields in North Carolina already having taken the leap into the future. This is an exciting time in the history of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, as we prepare to see our beloved home field take that next step into the future. Friday Nights in K-Town will be compiling a comprehensive week by week pictorial gallery of the progress as the new field takes shape. Welcome to the new phase of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. Go Wonders!! -The editor
The loan allows Kannapolis City Schools to make stadium renovations, as well as turning an existing building into a career and technical education facility. The loan covers the majority of the $1.73 million needed to make the improvements, with Kannapolis City schools using capital improvement funding to cover the difference, said Director of Business Operations Will Crabtree. Stadium upgrades will involve resurfacing the track and adding artificial grass, or turf, to the field. Those upgrades are estimated to cost $892,000. The stadium project, in particular, has been on the to-do list for years, Crabtree said. Rowan County Commissioners approved the $1.3 million dollar loan from First National Bank, which comes with an interest rate of 2.67 percent. Others submitting financing proposals included BB&T, Signature Public Funding Corp, First Bank and PNC Public Finance. First National Bank’s interest rate was lowest among the five submitting proposals. Kannapolis City Schools receives funding from two counties, however, the loan did not require approval from Cabarrus County, only Rowan County. While the two counties have collaborated on Kannapolis City Schools projects in the past, typically funding occurs through one county. -Salisbury Post
Excavation was originally set to commence the first week of June, but due to graduation proceedings was extended to the first of July. The new project begins with mixed emotions from Wonder Football loyalist who have witnessed over six decades of Wonder football on a natural grass playing field, and who are historically resistant to change. Ease of care, and overall safety for the athletes were cited as the determining factors for the switch over, with many high school athletic fields in North Carolina already having taken the leap into the future. This is an exciting time in the history of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, as we prepare to see our beloved home field take that next step into the future. Friday Nights in K-Town will be compiling a comprehensive week by week pictorial gallery of the progress as the new field takes shape. Welcome to the new phase of Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. Go Wonders!! -The editor
07-12-2019: Construction continued today at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium as tons of sodding was removed and relocated to various locations within the city of Kannapolis by P3 Grading Company. I spoke with a representative today from Athletic Fields Construction Company, who in conjunction with Medallion Athletic Products out of Mooresville North Carolina are spearheading the installation effort. The excavation to remove the old sodding is in preparation for a massive new drainage system that is to be installed underneath the new turf playing surface.
According to Athletic Fields Construction, the new drainage system will consist of hundreds of feet of high strength rubber/plastic drainage pipe which will honeycomb underneath the playing surface. The maze of drainage pipe will then be covered with a porous silk fabric, which itself will then be covered with two different grades of dense drainage rock. That rock will be packed down to a tight flat surface to make way for the more complex materials that will lay underneath the turf. Athletic Fields Construction stated that weather really has no factor in the initial phase of excavation, unless we have days of steady monsoon rains. Weather will only become a factor when the final phase of field preparation commences in the weeks to come.
As of 1730 hours July 12, 2019, over half of the natural grass sodding has been removed by approximately 1 to 2 feet below the root system. The work crew made significant progress today in getting this work completed. I collected two containers of soil and grass from the two feet depth today assuring that I got a little of Memorial Stadium's original soil.
According to Athletic Fields Construction, the new drainage system will consist of hundreds of feet of high strength rubber/plastic drainage pipe which will honeycomb underneath the playing surface. The maze of drainage pipe will then be covered with a porous silk fabric, which itself will then be covered with two different grades of dense drainage rock. That rock will be packed down to a tight flat surface to make way for the more complex materials that will lay underneath the turf. Athletic Fields Construction stated that weather really has no factor in the initial phase of excavation, unless we have days of steady monsoon rains. Weather will only become a factor when the final phase of field preparation commences in the weeks to come.
As of 1730 hours July 12, 2019, over half of the natural grass sodding has been removed by approximately 1 to 2 feet below the root system. The work crew made significant progress today in getting this work completed. I collected two containers of soil and grass from the two feet depth today assuring that I got a little of Memorial Stadium's original soil.
07-15-2019: Progress continues to be made in the excavation of Memorial Stadium for the installation of artificial field turf. As of July 15, 2019 at 1700 hours, all of the natural sodding has been removed from Memorial Stadium and disposed of. The next phase of installation will be the grading and leveling of the surface to make way for the field's drainage system. Fabric for the massive drainage system arrived today.
07-16-2019: A crew from Charlotte came in today and began scoring and removing the rough edges around the composite track left by the grading and removal of the natural sodding. The track will be resurfaced once the field turf is laid out. There was also some generalized grading earlier in the morning, but most of the work was confined to the area around the track.
07-19-2019: Work continues today at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium as Concrete workers prepare a concrete retaining wall that will support the existing composite track. The work on the wall is being done by DE Draw Concrete Solutions out of Charlotte NC. According to information provided by the foreman from DE Draw, the Concrete Retaining Wall will act as a barrier to keep the existing composite track from shifting position. The complete track will be resurfaced and all gaps between the wall and the existing track will be filled with composite material. Work on the wall is expected to be completed by Tuesday of next week.
07-24-2019: Work continues at Memorial Stadium as construction of the composite track's concrete retaining wall is nearing completion. As of today, it looks as if another 100 more yards of wall to stretch from the forty yard line on the home side, to where the wall will connect on the visitor's side near the goal line is all that is left to build. Construction of the field's drainage system is now under way as piping is currently being laid in the Stadium's West endzone. Rock to cover the drainage pipe has been delivered, as well as packing of the stadium's sod is evident. It doesn't appear that any of Tuesday's rain hampered any of the efforts, and everything appears to be running on schedule.
07-25-2019: Grass is not growing under the feet of workers at Memorial Stadium (No Pun Intended) lol, Today workers on the field turf project are approximately thirty five yards away from being completed with the laying of the concrete retaining wall. Meanwhile, work on the field's primary drainage system is almost halfway completed.
I spoke with a representative of Athletic Fields Construction Company who advised they hoped to be completed with the drainage system by middle of the week next week, and will then be able begin preparation for the laying of fabric and rock over the entire base of the field. The representative told me by all accounts they were on schedule, and saw no reason the field shouldn't be completed in time for the home opener.
I spoke with a representative of Athletic Fields Construction Company who advised they hoped to be completed with the drainage system by middle of the week next week, and will then be able begin preparation for the laying of fabric and rock over the entire base of the field. The representative told me by all accounts they were on schedule, and saw no reason the field shouldn't be completed in time for the home opener.
07-31-2019: Work on the installation of Memorial Stadium's first ever artificial playing surface is picking up speed. We are now entering the sixteenth day of field preparation, as we inch ever closer to the actual laying of the field turf. All surface grading, retaining wall construction, and drainage system installation has been completed, and now begins the task of the laying of fabric and the initial layer of what will ultimately be two layers of rock which will act as both drainage and surface contour for the field turf.
I spoke with a representative of Athletic Fields Construction, and they said that we are now entering the critical phase of the field turf's installation, and that everything is right on schedule. Athletic Fields Construction said the only factor holding up progress is waiting on the tons of drainage rock which must be brought in by dump trucks, and that sometimes takes more time than they like. Athletic Fields Construction stated that this initial layer of rock is the primary layer of drainage rock that must cover the entire field surface. The next layer of rock which will be of a finer grade than the initial layer must be spread out and evened out to perfection. The final layer of rock will be laser leveled to assure a perfectly even playing surface, and to assure that water will drain to all sides of the field's catch basins.
What at first glance looks like a completely flat surface, actually has about a twenty five degree crown that will allow the water to drain from the middle of the field to the many catch basins located near the composite track and finally to the field's main runoff basin. Athletic Fields Construction stated that the final contouring of the surface is a painstaking endeavor, and must be spot on before turf can be applied. Also, Concrete workers are nearing completion of the field's pole vaulting platforms which is located in the East end zone. A small portion of retaining wall near the bus gate at the East end zone will be poured after no more heavy equipment needs access to the field. Once the wall is completed, no heavy equipment can roll over the fresh concrete for risk of crushing.
I spoke with a representative of Athletic Fields Construction, and they said that we are now entering the critical phase of the field turf's installation, and that everything is right on schedule. Athletic Fields Construction said the only factor holding up progress is waiting on the tons of drainage rock which must be brought in by dump trucks, and that sometimes takes more time than they like. Athletic Fields Construction stated that this initial layer of rock is the primary layer of drainage rock that must cover the entire field surface. The next layer of rock which will be of a finer grade than the initial layer must be spread out and evened out to perfection. The final layer of rock will be laser leveled to assure a perfectly even playing surface, and to assure that water will drain to all sides of the field's catch basins.
What at first glance looks like a completely flat surface, actually has about a twenty five degree crown that will allow the water to drain from the middle of the field to the many catch basins located near the composite track and finally to the field's main runoff basin. Athletic Fields Construction stated that the final contouring of the surface is a painstaking endeavor, and must be spot on before turf can be applied. Also, Concrete workers are nearing completion of the field's pole vaulting platforms which is located in the East end zone. A small portion of retaining wall near the bus gate at the East end zone will be poured after no more heavy equipment needs access to the field. Once the wall is completed, no heavy equipment can roll over the fresh concrete for risk of crushing.
Aug 1, 2019: Drainage rock is coming in much faster today, and almost half of the field now has it's first of two layers of rock. The rock must be flattened down to a smooth surface to make way for the next layer of rock which will give the field it's contour. This process is slow and time consuming, but has to be done before turf can be applied.
08-02-2019: Check out new video for a close up to date look at the field turf progress as of August 2, 2019.
08-05-2019: First layer of drainage rock is well over half completed. Workers are now placing first layer of drainage rock in the far East endzone, and shoring up the outer edges closest to the track. The second layer of rock, which will be of a finer grade than the first should start coming in Tuesday, and work will begin with the final contouring of the field in preparation for turf. Weather has been outstanding and has not been a factor up to this point.
08-08-2019: The second and final layer of rock has been brought in and is currently being spread over the entire surface of the field. The second and final layer appears to be a little over half completed, and should be completed by the first of next week if not tomorrow. The rock must be packed down to a completely smooth surface before the next phase of laying field turf can begin. From what I could see it looks as if nothing but finish work is all that is left before the turf can be brought in.
08-09-2019: Work continued this morning at Memorial Stadium as we are in the fourth week, 23rd day of field preparation for the installation of artificial turf. The field is almost completely filled in with rock, and is ready for final packing and smoothing down. I spoke with a representative of Athletic Fields Construction Company (Mr Courtney Furr) who has been handling the bulk of the field prep work since excavation began on July 10, 2019. Furr told me that the field is basically 95% completed, and all that is left is just some final finish work along the edges of the track and some final contouring.
Furr stated that after this final finish work is completed, the field will be ready for the installation of turf, which is expected to arrive the first of next week. Furr told me that for all practical purposes, his job will be completed at that time, and would only return in the event to repair any damage to the field's base that the turf installers may inadvertently create. Furr told me that everything is right on schedule, and that as long as the weather cooperated over the next few weeks, that it should take about ten days to lay the turf down.
Furr stated that after this final finish work is completed, the field will be ready for the installation of turf, which is expected to arrive the first of next week. Furr told me that for all practical purposes, his job will be completed at that time, and would only return in the event to repair any damage to the field's base that the turf installers may inadvertently create. Furr told me that everything is right on schedule, and that as long as the weather cooperated over the next few weeks, that it should take about ten days to lay the turf down.
08-12-2019: Work continued today at Memorial Stadium as Concrete crews came in later this evening to frame the remainder of the Concrete retaining wall at the gate on the far visitor's side of the Stadium.Workers from Athletic Fields Construction Company worked hard to complete the final packing of the base of the playing field. All that is left for the crew of Athletic Fields Construction is to complete some finish work in the East end zone, and figure out how they will remove some of the large heavy equipment from the field without running over the Concrete retaining wall. I spoke with them about that little feat today and they advised they are open for any suggestions!! lol
08-13-2019: Concrete workers are putting the finishing touches on the last portion of the concrete retaining wall on the visitor's side of the Stadium, as well as completing the track and field platforms in the East end zone. The last of the rock application in the East end zone all hinges on the completion of all the Concrete work. Field Turf application is set to begin at the first of next week according to Athletic Fields Construction Company.
08-14-2019: A late visit this evening to Memorial Stadium revealed that the final packing on the field is now completed, and the retaining wall is finished. A big sigh of relief is that all the heavy equipment is safely off the field, and no damage was done to the retaining wall. It appears that there is just a little more packing to be done in the East end zone and the field will be ready for the application of turf, which is scheduled to start coming in Monday morning. Courtney Furr of Athletic Fields Construction told me that the laying of turf should take approximately ten days.
08-21-2019: Workers from Medallion Athletic Turf Solutions began laying down the Artificial Turf at Memorial Stadium this morning. The long awaited time has arrived, as our field takes that next step towards progression. Workers from Lawing Asphalt are currently applying Asphalt to the East End Zone, while painters continue to work on the home side of the stadium. I can't begin to tell you how great this looks. This turf is going to be the crowning glory of our home field for many years to come.
08-22-2019: Workers making lots of progress today at Memorial Stadium with the application of the artificial playing turf. Things seem to be running very smoothly. We are beginning to see late evening thunderstorms which could cause some delays in progress.
08-23-2019: Work continued to progress today on opening night of high school football in North Carolina. The Wonders are idle tonight, but workers at Memorial Stadium are anything but. More turf was laid today and workers are dealing with some awesome temperatures on the field.
08-25-2019: They are working overtime getting Memorial Stadium ready for opening night this Friday night. Turf workers are sewing in all the numbers and letters in both end zones. I stand corrected in how they do this part of the procedure. The numbers and letters are not painted in, but sewn in. All letters and numbers are premanufactured to the color ordered, and are placed over the base turf and then cut out and sewn in. This is looking amazing folks. Pictures cannot adequately illustrate just how good this really looks.
08-26-2019: Turf workers are getting down to crunch time now as Memorial Stadium is just four days away from hosting their inaugural game on the new artificial playing surface. Athletic Fields Construction Company told me today they were confident that the playing surface itself would be ready for opening night this Friday night. Fernandez told me that his crew was working each night until around nine or ten o'clock to get ready. Fernandez told me they were putting in lots of overtime to get this completed.
08-27-2019: First day of slightly inclement weather has not halted work at Memorial Stadium as turf crews hustle to get the final segments of turf applied in both end zones of the stadium. A slight drizzle began falling this morning around 9:00 AM, but workers continued to push forward with the task at hand. Rain did delay some painting, but pressure washing on the visitor's side of the stadium continued and is almost nearing completion. Paint crew began cleaning the monument in the East end zone getting Black mold off. Turf workers are really putting in the work to make all of this a reality come Friday night for our season opener. Everything is looking absolutely stunning.
As the work day concluded today at Memorial Stadium, all of the turf has been cut, applied and anchored to it's baseboards. All that is left with two days to spare is the applying of the rubber granulars to the playing surface, and general sprucing up around the track. Painters still have quite a bit of painting left to do on the home side of the field. I would say that the stadium as a whole is about 85% completed as it is at today's end.
As the work day concluded today at Memorial Stadium, all of the turf has been cut, applied and anchored to it's baseboards. All that is left with two days to spare is the applying of the rubber granulars to the playing surface, and general sprucing up around the track. Painters still have quite a bit of painting left to do on the home side of the field. I would say that the stadium as a whole is about 85% completed as it is at today's end.
08-28-2019: Wonder fans, the final phase of the field turf application began this morning as the crew from Symmetry Turf began applying layers of sand and rubber granules to the already applied artificial turf. The sand and rubber granules have a two fold purpose as explained to me by Cortney Furr of Furr'st Athletic Fields Construction Company. Both compounds will serve as both a weight to help keep the turf in place on the base, and act as additional padding for the turf itself. Once the machinery applies the compound to the turf, it must then be spread out using additional specialty equipment to achieve an even consistency across the turf.
This is a very time consuming process Furr explained, and pains must be taken to assure that the rubber and sand do not create high or low spots on the playing surface. The application of these compounds should be completed by Thursday afternoon. The application of the sand and rubber is beginning to give the turf a darker look. The grooming is giving the field a more natural grass like effect as well. After the project is completed, the field will be inspected and any late repairs or adjustments will be made then. After everything is inspected, all that remains to be done will be just some general sprucing up of the area around the track and lower entrance to the Stadium where the heavy equipment and supplies were placed.
This is a very time consuming process Furr explained, and pains must be taken to assure that the rubber and sand do not create high or low spots on the playing surface. The application of these compounds should be completed by Thursday afternoon. The application of the sand and rubber is beginning to give the turf a darker look. The grooming is giving the field a more natural grass like effect as well. After the project is completed, the field will be inspected and any late repairs or adjustments will be made then. After everything is inspected, all that remains to be done will be just some general sprucing up of the area around the track and lower entrance to the Stadium where the heavy equipment and supplies were placed.