Former Chancellor Bill Stacy watches. Click to enlarge.
photo by Wes Schultz
To make room for development in the heart of the campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga began taking down the North Stadium seating at Chamberlain Field on Saturday morning.
The wrecking ball made it first impact on the side adjacent to Brock Hall (across Vine Street from the University Center) at 8 a.m. as many UTC alumni watched.
The demolition and salvage is being completed by Dore And Associates Contractors, Bay City, Mich. The competitive state bid cost of the project is around $650,0000.
The area should be cleared and the green space open for student recreation use around May 1.
The original Chamberlain Field bleacher stands were erected in 1908. The North Stadium seating for 6,500 and dorms were completed in 1948.
Ornamental masonry of the Chamberlain Field name and the original University of Chattanooga seal have been preserved from the site for future use, it was stated.
Wrecking ball knocks down old brick stands.
photo by Erick Gray