Title
Resolution in Support of the War Memorial Stadium Deed Transfer to North Carolina A&T State University
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 2
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Interim Parks and Recreation Director, Wade Walcutt, Ext. 2964
Contact 2 and Phone: Assistant City Manager Chris Wilson, Ext. 2002
PURPOSE:
Council's approval is requested authorizing the City Manager to enter into negotiations and execute the deed transfer of the World War Memorial Stadium (WWMS) to North Carolina A&T State University pursuant to Section 160A-274 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and provide the City Manager authorization, upon execution of the deed, to transfer an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 to the University for the purpose of historic preservation, restoration and rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND:
In its earliest years, the primary function of WWMS was to serve local amateur athletic teams in track and field, football and baseball competitions. This included area, high schools, colleges, recreational leagues, and semi-professional athletic teams, such as North Carolina A&T State University's semi-professional football club which began utilizing the stadium in 1927. In 1930, WWMS was up fit with lights and a steel grandstand canopy in order to serve as the home field to Greensboro's professional minor league baseball team and would remain so off and on until Newbridge Bank Ballpark opened in 2004. Over the course of seven decades, WWMS has undergone a series of minor upgrades, re-configurations and renovations; however, the original fabric of the historic stadium has never been altered significantly from the 1926 design.
Due to the age and condition of WWMS, it is in need for further restoration, preservation and rehabilitation to continue to honor its intent as a veteran's memorial, and to become the permanent home for North Carolina A&T State University baseball, the prima...
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