EAST BANK, WV (WOWK) – The East Bank Middle School football team has lost their home-field advantage this coming season.

Kanawha County Schools recently announced that the stadium at Calvert Field would be closed for the three home games, citing safety concerns as the main issue. However, the field will still be used for practice.

The main concerns are with the field’s bleachers, press box, and locker rooms, according to Kanawha County Schools. The field may still be used, but no games will be hosted there this football season.

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Many community members and families say they are upset about this decision.

“It makes me very sad. It’s a part of our community, it’s a part of our history. When I was in high school we won two championships at that football field, and I think our kids deserve the right to play there,” says Amy Dempsey, an East Bank alumna and community member.

Frustrated families say they believe that since the field is still intact, their children should be able to play. Tricia Jarrell says her son has had a long journey and feels more comfortable on this field.

“He has played football for – this is his third year. He has autism, and when he came in as a sixth grader, he wanted to be a water boy. But our previous coach, Huffman – a friend of mine – put him in a uniform. That field, and those coaches and this program have completely turned him around,” Jarrell says.

Kanawha County Schools says that the three home games will be hosted at Riverside High School, which has a newer facility.

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