Brent Lambert

In the wake of the Hamilton County School Board’s action to fund renovations at Raymond James Stadium, East Ridge Mayor Brent Lambert issued a press release showing his appreciation.

“I would like to express my personal appreciation, and that of our entire city, to the Hamilton County School Board for its decision to fund new seating at Raymond James Stadium at East Ridge High School,” Mayor Lambert wrote in the release.

“Because the former stadium was condemned in August and razed in December of last year, it would have been easy to simply let this subject fade away.  However, the School Board and County Commission engaged in a deliberate, constructive dialogue on the issue that culminated in last week’s decision.  I especially want to thank our city’s representatives on those respective bodies, David Testerman and Tim Boyd, who were at the forefront of that dialogue.

“I believe that athletics and other extracurricular activities play an important role in the education and maturation of students.  They also serve as a rallying point for communities.  I feel certain the stadium issue has done just that in East Ridge; it has rallied generations of alumni and supporters to take an active interest again – to reconnect to our alma mater. 

“Again, I applaud those who weighed in on this decision and the lasting impact it will have on current and future students at East Ridge High School.”

Last Thursday the school board voted unanimously to take $913,600 from its fund balance to address issues with stadiums at seven high schools.

Those facilities that will be funded include East Ridge, Tyner and Howard, where there were major problems. Repairs are also slated for Ooltewah, Lookout Valley, Hixson and CSAS.

No timetable for construction at Shanks Field/Raymond James Stadium has been given.