Bristol Municipal Stadium

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Bristol Municipal Stadium, also referred to as the Stone Castle, is an athletic facility located on the campus of Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tennessee. The structure features a design that is reminiscent of Medieval Gothic architecture and has a seating capacity of approximately 6,000. The stadium currently serves as the home field of the American football team of Tennessee High School. The structure was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1987.

[edit] History

During the era of the New Deal, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed two stadiums in the state of Tennessee, Bristol Municipal Stadium in Bristol and Crump Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Construction of Bristol Municipal Stadium began in 1934 and was completed in 1936. The cost of 34,000 USD was shared between the federal government and the city of Bristol. A renovation of the facility was completed in 1986 at a cost of 500,000 USD.

The Stone Castle opened on October 8, 1936. The stadium has served as the home American football fields of Tennessee High School, Virginia High School and King College. In addition, the African-American high schools of Slater High School and Douglas High School, located in Tennessee and Virginia respectively, utilized the stadium as their American football home stadium.

[edit] Architectural significance

The Tennessee Historical Society has referred to Bristol Municipal Stadium as the most architecturally significant stadium in Tennessee. The stadium is constructed from rough rubble limestone that was procured from another Works Progress Administration project at nearby Beaver Creek. The design of the stadium was influenced by Medieval Gothic architecture and features arched entries, crenellated walls with a height of twenty feet, and corner towers.