TIGER FIELD HISTORY

The Beginning

The original Tiger Field was built in 1938 and opened for use by the school district September 7, 1938. It cost $14,000 to build. A store room and snack bar were added in 1948. Restrooms were added in 1971 and locker rooms became part of the facility in 1975.

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Tiger Field Brochure (710 Kb PDF)

Tiger Stadium Design (480 Kb PDF)

A Case For High School Activities (106 Kb PDF)

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Tiger Field, located at 6th and Bradish, has been home to football and track competitions for nearly eight decades. Wear and tear from overuse, weather and age has caused deterioration that is no longer cost-effective to repair. Estimated cost for renovation is $5.5 million in 2008 dollars.

What's Wrong with the Current Tiger Field?

As you can see from the photos below, portions of the facility are unsafe for athletes and spectators. [Place your mouse OVER each List Item]

Studying the Problem

The East Otero School District decided to explore the options for either renovating the old facility or building a new complex. They created a committee to research each concept. The committee met with representatives from education, athletics, parent and student groups as well as experts from architectural/engineering firms, contractors and bond professionals. In addition, an opinion poll was conducted of registered La Junta voters.

After studying all the information and doing cost estimates, the committee recommended to the school board that it would be more cost effective to build a new facility. Renovation of the old facility would cost $5.5 million. Demolition of the old Tiger Field and building a new complex on land owned by the school district (behind the existing high school) would cost $4.3 million. The school board studied committee recommendations, cost estimates and benefits to the educational program.

Board of Education Authorization

During a regularly scheduled school board meeting August 11, 2008, the East Otero school District Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to authorize placing a bond measure on the November 4, 2008 ballot to float a bond that would fund construction of a new multi-purpose field, track and physical education complex. The Committee for a New Tiger Field was then formed to conduct public outreach to educate voters about Measure 3A.

Building for the Present and the Future

Improvements to Education Program (P.E. and Band). With the passage of Measure 3A the East Otero School District and the community can look forward to having a new physical education complex that will not only provide for better physical educational class opportunities, but will enable the high school and Marching Dynamite bands to have a facility to practice for parades and half time shows. Currently the high school band marks lines in the parking lot to practice half time routines. Additionally, with a new field and safe bleachers, the band could host regional and state band competitions.

Historic Tiger Relays. Tiger Relays is the longest, continuous high school track meet in the state of Colorado. Unfortunately, because of the condition of the current track, La Junta has not been able to hold Tiger Relays in La Junta. With a new, rubberized track, La Junta can bring Tiger Relays back home.

Field. A new, synthetic field will allow for expansion of competitive sports. In addition to football games, soccer and other sports for all school grades can be played on the new field. Holding sports camps and tournaments will enhance La Junta youth competitive opportunities and benefit the community economically.

Community Jogging. Community will be able to use the track for recreational jogging and walking.

Community Pride. The condition of our school facilities makes a statement about our community. For over twenty years, the statement has not been a positive one when people visit Tiger Field. After years of not being able to hold track competitions in our own town, of having opposing teams reluctant to sit in our cracked and decaying bleachers or use our antiquated bathrooms and locker rooms, we will once again be able to host competitions in sports and band with pride.