VETERANS MEMORIAL STADIUM FUND

STADIUM HISTORY
Veterans Memorial Stadium was built in 1956, and it was considered one of the best stadiums in the country. The stadium was used for the first time on Oct. 19,1956, when 3,300 joyous Viking fans filled it to capacity. Lest we forget, Veterans Memorial Stadium was constructed as a living memorial to the Wexford County men who gave their lives in our nation’s wars. At the end of World War II, returning war veterans of American Legion Post 94 began discussing the importance of building a memorial for those who didn’t come home. In 1952, it was decided that a living memorial should be built in honor of all Wexford County soldiers who died during World War I, World War II and the Korean conflict. That memorial wouldn’t be a statue in the park. It would be a stadium for the new Cadillac High School. Although the stadium opened for sporting events in 1956, the dedication of the stadium as a living memorial to our war dead didn’t take place until Nov. 11, 1960. At the entrance to the stadium, on a large concrete column, an engraved roll of honor lists the names of men who made the supreme sacrifice for our country; 27 men were killed in WWI; 95 in WWII, and 9 in Korea. An additional plaque was added in 1982 to honor the lives of 11 area men killed in Vietnam. This facility was funded 100% through the efforts of the Cadillac community.

GOALS
Raise and Provide the Funds to:

• Resurface the field at Veterans Memorial Stadium with a modern synthetic turf surface.
• Update long jump, pole vault and high jump locations.
• Grandstand/Site/Lighting/Technology improvements.

Proposal to Raise Funds:

• Build a brick wall in the stadium, displaying bricks purchased by community donors.
• Donors can have their bricks engraved.
• Both large and small pillars will be available for purchase by larger or corporate donors.
• Additional stadium improvement funds will be raised through advertisements within the stadium as well as future brick and pillar purchases.
  

ADVANTAGES OF SYNTHETIC TURF

Maximize the use of the stadium:

• Band, Soccer, Football & Various Youth Organizations.
• Physical Education Classes.
• Increase Athletic & Community events as well as host state level competitions.

Synthetic turf provides a safe and consistent surface for games and practices.

Reduced labor costs related to field and equipment maintenance.

Provide positive economic impact on local businesses due to enhanced availability and attendance.

Provide an environmentally friendly surface.