TSU Hale Stadium Renewal Kicks Off With Building Demolition

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – With the single pull of a backhoe bucket, Tennessee State University officially started the upgrades to Hale Stadium when demolition to the old ROTC building began today.

The demolition of the building, which has stood at the entry of the stadium since 1931, is the first project in a series of upgrades in preparation for football returning to “The Hole” during the Centennial Celebration.

“The slated improvements to the stadium will enhance the infrastructure necessary to support a return of football games to the stadium,” said Ron Brooks, Vice President of Facilities Management. “The improvements to this area of campus will have an immediate impact for our campus community as we look forward to creating an even more inviting place to hold events not only during the Centennial Celebration but for years to come.”

TSU old ROTC Building Demolition
 Photo Courtesy: TSU Media Relations

The demolition project is expected to take approximately six weeks. During that time, University officials ask that as a safety precaution, pedestrians use the opposite side of John A. Merritt Blvd.

Built in 1953, the “The Hole” was once an integral part of the TSU campus and a source of pride, legacy and tradition. Unfortunately the stadium fell into a state of disrepair, and since 1999, the Tigers have played their home games at LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans.

“We want to be able to bring that sense of pride and tradition back to ‘The Hole’” even if just for the Centennial year,” said Dr. Portia Shields, President of the University. “We’ll be working hard to be able to return that Saturday Night Tradition to our current students and recent alumni.”


Possible future plans for Hale Stadium released by TSU Media Relation on Sept. 29, 2011. TSU's NFL Hall of Fame DE Richard Dent has made his first financial donation earmaked for the renovations. He has a matching fund campaign in which he will match donations from other alumni under his Make a Dent Foundation, and will help fund the project.

The $1 million face lift of the stadium not only includes the demolition of the ROTC building, but also the installation of a temporary sound system and digital scoreboard, painting and general cleanup, as well as renting portable restrooms and concession areas. Seating capacity will also be increased with the addition of portable bleachers that will accommodate 4,000, bringing the total capacity to 16,000.

Two or three games will be played during the 2012 season. The first game is tentatively scheduled for September 15 against cross-town rival and Ohio Valley Conference opponent Austin Peay State University. Games that draw larger crowds, such as the John Merritt Classic and Homecoming, will still be played at LP Field.

“For our students,” said Shields, “this represents the better of two powerfully important worlds; a past to cherish and a future to fulfill.”



Courtesy: TSU Media Relations
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About Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University (TSU), a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and a 1890 land-grant institution, is Nashville’s only urban and comprehensive public University, as well as middle Tennessee’s first public Carnegie doctoral/research institution.

TSU consists of seven colleges: the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, Technology & Computer Science, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Public Service & Urban Affairs; and has a School of Graduate Studies and Research.

TSU offers 39 bachelor’s degrees, 23 master’s degrees and awards doctoral degrees in seven areas: biological sciences, computer information systems engineering, psychology, public administration, curriculum and instruction, administration and supervision and physical therapy.

Nearly 430 full‐time faculty and approximately 200 part‐time faculty serve a student population of more than 8,500 drawn from 42 states and 45 countries. More than 70% of the student population is African-American, while 22% is white. A growing number of Latino, Asian, and international students is also present at the University.