Community eager for completion of Stone Castle upgrades

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee High School’s historic Stone Castle remains on track to be finished in time for this school year after facility upgrades.

Construction began in November to upgrade facilities on both the home and visitor’s side, along with putting in new lighting and a new press box.

Accessibility pieces have been added to both sides of the stadium such as ramps and special seating. Bristol, Tennessee City Schools leaders received a complaint from the Office of Civil Rights in 2020, stating the structure was not up to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Tuesday, workers were setting the framework for the visitor’s side bleachers. Principal Kim Kirk has been watching as progress continues.

“They’ve been working for a long time,” Kirk said. “It’s exciting. You pull up every morning when you pull in here and you see all the cars out there in the parking lot. You know it’s the workers out here that are working really hard. So, it’s really exciting to see the changes and [I] can’t wait to see the end result. It’s going to be awesome.”

Kirk reminisced of her time in the space as a Tennessee High alumnae.

“It’s awesome to see how it’s changed, but also keeping the tradition that we’ve always had,” Kirk said. “There are so many people in this community who played here. Their parents played here. Their grandparents played here. They now have grandkids playing, nieces, nephews. It allows everybody to come in here and get excited.”

The football team has had to find other places to practice while their space receives upgrades.

“This place means so much to them,” said Tennessee High head football coach Josh Holt. “They’re excited to get back in here and see what it looks like revamped like it’s going to be.”

Holt said the Stone Castle is so important to the school system and the community, so important that it’s in the school logo. The space resonates with other sports alongside football and the marching band.

“This is what they dream of being a Tennessee High football player, is playing in this place right here,” Holt said. “So the chance to get back in here, come back home a little bit, it’s super exciting.”

The football team will get acclimated to the upgraded facility while getting acclimated to their gear in the heat within the next few weeks. The first home game is on Aug. 30 against the school’s rival, Sullivan East High School.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.