Youngstown City School District (YCSD) scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new artificial field turf installation at Rayen Stadium on Monday, August 29, at 6:30 p.m.,1903 Cordova Ave, Youngstown, OH 44504.
The ceremony is open to the public, and will feature YCSD cheerleaders, and the introduction of this year’s athletics rosters.
Constructed in 1924, Rayen Stadium is one of the oldest football fields in Youngstown and has played an important role in not only Youngstown City School’s history but the city of Youngstown. In 1941, the Oklahoma City vs. Youngstown College football game at Rayen Stadium marked the first use of the penalty flag in football.
The project has been in the making and finally came to fruition with much-needed improvements that will benefit all district youth and high school sports.
The center of the field proudly showcases YCSD’s Y logo at its center, with the list of district high schools underneath from both past and present. “We recognize how beloved the Rayen Stadium is to YCSD alumni and the Youngstown community,” said YCSD Superintendent Justin M. Jennings.
Jennings continued, “The district wanted to recognize our past while keeping our scholars in mind first. With the new artificial turf, more of our scholars will have access to the field, providing more opportunities for families and community members to come together for games.”
In addition to football, the Rayen Stadium is lined for other sports, including rugby and soccer. More schools are also receiving upgraded facilities, such as a baseball field at East High School and a middle school football field at Martin Luther King jr. Elementary School, and track at Chaney High School.