Erie's Biletnikoff Field 'doubtful' to host spring events. When will renovations be complete?
Erie’s Public Schools hoped that spring would bring their first interscholastic athletic event at newly renovated Biletnikoff Field.
Thanks to seasonal weather, however, a grand opening will need to wait.
Much of the $5.1 million project was completed before winter. Fencing, gates and the facility’s all-important track coating was not, and until those features are installed, Erie High student-athletes must compete elsewhere.
Renovations begin: Biletnikoff Field improvements begin this month. What will they bring to Erie High?
“It’s unfortunate that this is happening to our track athletes and our spring athletes because we really wanted them to be able to use the field,” said Neal Brokman, an assistant superintendent with Erie’s Public Schools. “We are definitely not happy about the timeline and how things have transpired, but we understand that certain things are out of our control.”
Why the delay?
District officials were hopeful when construction began in May of last year that Biletnikoff Field would begin hosting athletic events in spring of 2024, if not the previous fall. That’s now “doubtful,” Brokman said, as contractors wait for dry weather.
Sections of fencing and gates must still be placed. Turnstiles must be installed and concession stand maintenance remains, as does minor paving and cleaning.
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The biggest remaining obstacle, however, is the installation of a rubber-based track coating. Brokman said that, according to the project’s sub-contractor for the track surface, installation requires dry skies and 55-degree temperatures at minimum.
“We’re at the mercy of the weather,” said Brokman, adding that he’s requested weekly updates on when track installation will begin.
What progress has been made since fall?
Electrical work was completed over the winter, such as installation of cameras, internet servers and a WiFi network. Stadium lights have been turned on and tested and materials for all remaining upgrades are in-hand.
From the fall: When will construction at Erie's Biletnikoff Field, McDowell's Hanlon Complex be completed?
Erie High gym classes have already used the turf and neighborhood kids have played on it, Brokman said, but the facility is still technically closed to the public. It will remain that way until construction is completed, although difficult to enforce with lack of fencing.
Where will Erie High track meets move in the meantime?
Erie High director of athletics Dale Mills said she’s working to relocate the Royals’ two home track and field meets, one of which was scheduled for later in April.
That one won’t happen at Biletnikoff Field, but if construction were to begin soon, slim hopes remain that the facility could host a meet May 7 against General McLane. The Lancers don’t currently have a track, either, thanks to renovations at Linden Field.
More likely, however, is that Biletnikoff’s first event will occur after the 2023-24 school year. Erie High’s annual 7-on-7 football tournament July 13 will be moved from Veteran’s Stadium if Biletnikoff Field is ready, otherwise the latter’s opening for usage will come in the fall.
Contact Jeff Uveino at juveino@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @realjuveino.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie's Biletnikoff Field renovations delayed; spring events 'doubtful'
