WEIRTON - Weir High School officials want the grand opening of the new Jimmy Carey Stadium to be an event the community will not soon forget.
On Friday during the opening game against Indian Creek, a number of activities and recognitions will be conducted in order to celebrate the grand opening of the stadium built after Hancock County residents voted in favor of a bond call to support the schools.
Weir High School Athletic Director Mike DelRe said he believes everything being planned for Friday is wonderful as they are set to break in the new multi-sport complex.
"This is a monumental, historical change in our county school system," he said. "We wanted to create a celebration with our local dignitaries as well as the students who will be participating on the field."
Friday's events will begin at 5 p.m. with WEIR Radio broadcasting promotions from the field followed by a series of activities as follows:
6:35 p.m. - raising of the old flag from Jimmy Carey Stadium
6:40 p.m. - ribbon cutting with stakeholders
6:45 p.m. - moment of silence for Bob Rossell followed by the dedication of the stadium sign and press box
6:50 p.m. - field lined with students participating in all sports activities that will use the field followed by the singing of the national anthem and the Weir High Alma Mater by Dwight McHumor accompanied by the band
6:55 p.m. - All seniors will be the honorary coin flippers along with Phil Carey, son of Jimmy Carey.
Principal Dan Enich said the game ball will be parachuted down from an airplane and kickoff will be at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets to the event are $6 each and the first 2,500 people to enter the stadium will receive a memorial souvenir.
DelRe said Enich was instrumental in giving ideas for the line up. He said the new Jimmy Carey Stadium is the biggest step forward in school sports the county has seen. He said he believes the new stadium is the greatest physical activities complex built since the Millsop Community Center.
"There is nothing else like it," he said, noting the students have already had two scrimages on the new field.
Enich said he would like to echo DelRe's remarks and express how the school is so proud of the complex. He said it is a jewel on the hill and there are many people the school and county need to thank for it, including the Hancock County taxpayers, Board of Education and many others who've had their hand in the structure.
"Without the help of the people and the sponsors we would not have been able to pull this off," he said.
Enich said there have also been multiple contributions from businesses to assist with the scoreboard signage and other beautification issues on the field not covered through the bond levy. He said the VIP sponsors incuded Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, Project B.E.S.T., Tri-State Medical, Weirton Medical Center, FACS Law Offices, Mainstream Physical Therapy, Lyle's Auto, Hancock County Savings Bank and National Gold and Silver Refinery.
"We also have to thank the city of Weirton and our Councilman David Dalrymple for assisting us with a $5,000 contribution that will go toward beautification, something we wouldn't be able to do without it," he added.
Enich said he'd like to thank all of the athletes for their patience and cooperation. He said everyone is eager to be out there.
DelRe said the cost of single ticket prices has increased by a $1, but in order to continue to draw loyal fans that attend multiple games throughout the sports season, football or otherwise, there would be a special multiple game strip ticket that would grant access to 10 games at $5 each.
"We wanted to make sure that we are doing something for our fans and those coming out to give their support to our teams," he said.
For more information contact Weir High School at (304) 748-7600.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
