Graham Stadium

[EH31]

1 hour ago, CPF said:

I bet you would. I'm just not going to do it for you either.

No problem. I asked Bigfoot to do it anyway. 

[Liam McPoyle]

1 hour ago, Gridiron60 said:

Here’s a video that was posted as they were finishing up on the field. I’ll try to find an aerial photo. I seem to remember someone flying a drone overhead & posting it. 
 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bo6hSKCZq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Wow, that's a really nice football fiel.., I mean, "Outdoor Learning Facility"

[Real Sasquatch]

2 hours ago, Gridiron60 said:

To be fair, include Richlands in that request. All schools should receive equal treatment. 

Equal treatment,huh?  There's a concept.

[Real Sasquatch]

1 hour ago, EH31 said:

No problem. I asked Bigfoot to do it anyway. 

Bigfoot would prefer to throw sticks and rocks then do that....  Besides, I already told you what I think.  Bluefield, Va has been treated like 2nd class citizens by the board for 80 years now.  That's all you're getting, sorry I can't give you any dirt on anybody (or won't).  No offense to you.  I've been around long enough to see how one end of the county gets the raw end of the deal consistently.

[jeffro]

2 hours ago, CPF said:

I'm going to request 5.4 million dollars for improvements to Tazewell High School and bleachers at Graham High School. Think they will award it to me?

Probably not, but if enough people done it, they would have to have a meeting. And meeting meetings are always fun.

[EH31]

27 minutes ago, Real Sasquatch said:

Bigfoot would prefer to throw sticks and rocks then do that....  Besides, I already told you what I think.  Bluefield, Va has been treated like 2nd class citizens by the board for 80 years now.  That's all you're getting, sorry I can't give you any dirt on anybody (or won't).  No offense to you.  I've been around long enough to see how one end of the county gets the raw end of the deal consistently.

I think we’re on two different topics. I’m not looking for dirt.

To start over - 

What responsibilities do the Board of Supervisors have when it comes to this situation? 
 

I know they supplement money annually to the school board but is any of that money earmarked for athletics?
 

Has there been a precedent set of them helping when it comes to athletic facilities at the schools? Are they contributing money to Richlands’ new baseball field or wrestling room? Did they help with Graham’s basketball gym behind the school? 
 

For the record - I 100% believe that Graham should have their own stadium, so I apologize if this is coming off as condescending. I’m honestly asking questions that I’d like to learn the answers to. 

[VHSLhelper]

On 5/14/2025 at 11:46 AM, EH31 said:

“Stacy advised the contract for the use of Mitchell Stadium was up for renewal. He advised the updated usage agreement would be $62,400.00 for the first year and would increase by four percent (4%) each subsequent year of the five-year contract. Mr. Woodard stated since the school division was not allowed carryover, he would rather approve the agreement one year at a time. Board members agreed with Mr. Woodard and directed Dr. Stacy to return to the negotiating table with the City of Bluefield for a one-year contract to be brought to the May School Board meeting.”

So... they made a new rule in the past 2 years that Dr. Stacy wasn't aware of?

They signed a 2-year agreement in '23, right?

[Gridiron60]

44 minutes ago, VHSLhelper said:

So... they made a new rule in the past 2 years that Dr. Stacy wasn't aware of?

They signed a 2-year agreement in '23, right?

They actually just voted on the five year contracts within the past months is my understanding. 

[Gridiron60]

Does anyone know if the board of supervisors goes above the minimum amount required by the state or do they give TCPS the minimum required? Many counties give more than the minimum but I wasn’t sure if our BOS does. 

[jeffro]

Honestly i don't know who to be mad at-
Bluefield-for their greed, knowing Graham most likely couldn't pay the inflated amount if they wanted to and screwing these kids.
Stacey-for budget mismanagement leading to money being removed for stadium that wasnt allotted in the first place.
Tazewell Co. BOS- knowing they were not going to pay the stupid crazy amount and not be prepared for it- Playing at Tazewell? Yeah their really warm and fuzzy with Graham.
I think I'll be mad at all the above!

[Graham-VT Fan]

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Tazewell Bulldog Field.....home of the Graham G-Men!!!! Or we can substitute Tazewell Bulldog Field for Ernie Hicks Stadium.

[tornado99]

6 minutes ago, Graham-VT Fan said:

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Tazewell Bulldog Field.....home of the Graham G-Men!!!! Or we can substitute Tazewell Bulldog Field for Ernie Hicks Stadium.

As often and as far as Graham goes in the playoffs, this seems very likely in November and early December.

Unfortunately, that has come at the expense of the other county schools.

[tornado99]

Is it too soon to mention what Bluefield, WV and Mercer County (plus McDowell and Bland) has given Graham in recent years in addition to the stadium? 
 

A few skill position and defensive players over the years contributing to state titles lol. 
Just kidding (I know everyone has or is doing it. They are just currently getting the better returns.

[Real Sasquatch]

2 hours ago, Gridiron60 said:

Does anyone know if the board of supervisors goes above the minimum amount required by the state or do they give TCPS the minimum required? Many counties give more than the minimum but I wasn’t sure if our BOS does. 

128th or 129th out of 131 last I checked in terms of per pupil spending.  If I can find that link, I'll share it.  They have funded from about 110% to around 125%, recently.  Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but its not much over the minimum.  100% funding is the minimum required by the state.  Washington County a few years back funded at 185%, but that's all I have for comparison.  Buchanan County I believe was last or next to last.  Tazewell County doesn't have the revenue to do much better, maybe they could get some outside help like Buchanan County did, because those schools aren't getting any younger 

[Real Sasquatch]

I do believe lights at GHS should be the next priority.  Their soccer teams also pay to play at East River, from what I have been told.  Lights would allow soccer games to be played at GHS, that should definitely be a priority.  Parents are used to sitting on lawn chairs at soccer games and the crowds aren't as big.   

[cityofRaven]

Maybe Graham can play a few games at Mount View's beautiful new facility?

I'm sure some of the folks would appreciate not having to drive far to watch their kids play.

[jeffro]

2 hours ago, CPF said:

I'm going to request 5.4 million dollars for improvements to Tazewell High School and bleachers at Graham High School. Think they will award it to me?

Probably not, but if enough people done it, they would have to have a meeting. And meeting meetings are always fun.

[jeffro]

14 hours ago, jeffro said:

Honestly i don't know who to be mad at-
Bluefield-for their greed, knowing Graham most likely couldn't pay the inflated amount if they wanted to and screwing these kids.
Stacey-for budget mismanagement leading to money being removed for stadium that wasnt allotted in the first place.
Tazewell Co. BOS- knowing they were not going to pay the stupid crazy amount and not be prepared for it- Playing at Tazewell? Yeah their really warm and fuzzy with Graham.
I think I'll be mad at all the above!

So not knowing all the facts I rushed to judgement to blame.  But I’m still pissed at City of Bluefield for their greed in doing this to these kids

[jeffro]

City of Bluefield responds to Graham High School leaving Mitchell Stadium

[Gridiron60]

3 minutes ago, jeffro said:

City of Bluefield responds to Graham High School leaving Mitchell Stadium

If Marson really wanted to keep Graham playing at Mitchell, he would have gotten the city board to offer two year contract as in the past.

[CPF]

7 minutes ago, Gridiron60 said:

If Marson really wanted to keep Graham playing at Mitchell, he would have gotten the city board to offer two year contract as in the past.

Or a one year contract.

[Gridiron60]

1 hour ago, CPF said:

Or a one year contract.

That too! 

[Real Sasquatch]

https://images.app.goo.gl/srE9e

https://images.app.goo.gl/MsJfECnTX6XeBhd58

Something like the 1st link would be nice to have at Graham's new field eventually (size wise) for the home side.  Alternating sections of cardinal red and gold (like the 2nd link) would be cool and visitors side similar to what Tazewell has....  They would need a press box of some type at the top, there's plenty of capable kids at the Vocational School that could probably build that, there's some talented kids over there...that wouldn't have to be too big...maybe a couple of small rooms for coaches and media.  I was thinking that the gym could be opened up behind the home side for restrooms, concessions and access for the away team locker rooms.  Graham could use the field house for their locker room.  

Anybody else have any interesting ideas.  I was just thinking about possibilities 

 

[stu_bean]

8 hours ago, Real Sasquatch said:

https://images.app.goo.gl/srE9e

https://images.app.goo.gl/MsJfECnTX6XeBhd58

Something like the 1st link would be nice to have at Graham's new field eventually (size wise) for the home side.  Alternating sections of cardinal red and gold (like the 2nd link) would be cool and visitors side similar to what Tazewell has....  They would need a press box of some type at the top, there's plenty of capable kids at the Vocational School that could probably build that, there's some talented kids over there...that wouldn't have to be too big...maybe a couple of small rooms for coaches and media.  I was thinking that the gym could be opened up behind the home side for restrooms, concessions and access for the away team locker rooms.  Graham could use the field house for their locker room.  

Anybody else have any interesting ideas.  I was just thinking about possibilities 

 

Anything would beat what Marion has for the visitors fieldhouse

 

[Gridiron60]

2 hours ago, stu_bean said:

Anything would beat what Marion has for the visitors fieldhouse

 

Now, come on, that’s a state of art, architectural genius facility…especially visitor’s locker room.