Spartan Municipal Stadium facts for kids
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| Full name | Spartan Municipal Stadium |
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| Former names | Universal Stadium (1928–1970) |
| Owner | Shawnee State University |
| Capacity | 8,500 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Tenants | |
| Portsmouth Spartans (NFL) (1930–1933) Notre Dame High School football (SOC) (1928–present) |
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Spartan Municipal Stadium is a famous sports field in Portsmouth, Ohio. It was once called Universal Stadium. This historic stadium was built in 1928. It could hold up to 8,200 people.
From 1930 to 1933, the stadium was home to the National Football League team, the Portsmouth Spartans. This team later became the Detroit Lions. Many local high school football teams have also played here for decades.
In 1970, the stadium was officially renamed Spartan Municipal Stadium. Because of its long history, it was named a state historical site on October 5, 2003. Today, Shawnee State University owns the stadium.
Contents
A Look at Spartan Stadium's History
Early Days and NFL Football
Spartan Municipal Stadium has a rich past. When it first opened in 1928, it was known as Universal Stadium. It quickly became a hub for sports in Portsmouth. The stadium's biggest claim to fame is hosting an NFL team. The Portsmouth Spartans played their games here for four seasons. This was a big deal for a small city.
Changes and Upgrades Over Time
The stadium has seen many changes. After a fire in the 1990s, the city worked to fix it up. They replaced damaged walls and the press box. The lights were also made better to help players see at night. To keep the grass field in good shape, the stadium's use was limited. Only regular football games are played there now.
Keeping the Stadium Alive
Community Efforts for Preservation
Many people in Portsmouth want to save Spartan Municipal Stadium. They see it as an important part of their city's history. There have been talks about tearing it down for new buildings. But local residents believe it should be preserved. Notre Dame High School still uses the stadium for its football games.
Recent Renovation Projects
In recent years, there have been big efforts to fix up the stadium. In 2017, a professor from Shawnee State University helped get a grant. This grant provided $25,000 to start renovations. This money helped begin the process of making the stadium better. More renovation work is planned for the future.
New Ownership for a Brighter Future
In July 2024, the Portsmouth City Council made a big decision. They voted to give Spartan Municipal Stadium to Shawnee State University. The university plans to continue renovating the stadium. They want it to be a great place for the community to use and enjoy. This new ownership aims to keep the stadium a valuable asset for Portsmouth.
