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Panthers hope to open season ine new stadium
Construction issues pushed stadium past original 2007 opening
Stadium
According to Liberty County’s deputy superintendent, the Panthers will play their first official home game at the new Donell Woods Stadium on Sept. 5 against Beach High. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. - photo by By Patty Leon / Coastal Courier
According to Liberty County School Deputy Superintendent Cheryl Conley, the Liberty County Panthers will have their first home game of the 2008 season at their new Donell Woods Stadium.
The Sept. 5 game pitting the Panthers against Beach High will be the first time the Panthers will step onto a field they can proudly call their own.
"There will be a dedication ceremony and the specifics will be released to the public once the plans are finalized," Conley said in an e-mail to the Courier.
Although the fieldhouses are not completed Conley said plans are to construct the visitor's fieldhouse first. Once completed the Panthers' will use that fieldhouse until theirs is finished. Conley said the Panthers' fieldhouse should be completed by December. Arrangements have been made to accommodate the home and visiting teams should the fieldhouse not be complete in time for the Sept. 5 kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
The stadium, named after a former LCHS alumni, teacher and coach, was to open for last year's football season and later for the class of 2008's graduation. Neither of which occurred as construction problems persisted.
Conley said there were several factors that contributed to the delays but dwelling on them now would not change the outcome. She said she plans to focus her efforts in meeting the game day opening.
The track course that is supposed to surround the football field is still being developed. But the concession stands and bathrooms appear to be ready. The press boxes are wired and ready for Internet and radio broadcast,s according to Conley.
The field itself is still a work in progress, but Conley says her group is constantly meeting with the field contractor and monitoring the condition of the field.
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