PHOTO COURTESY OF HERMISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
[quote style=”2″]State-of-the-Art Facilty Attracting Thousands to Town for Playoffs[/quote]
When Hermiston School District officials announced plans to build Kennison Field at Hermiston High School, they envisioned a state-of-the-art facility that would not only serve as the Bulldogs’ home field, but a venue that could host state playoff events and bring thousands of visitors to the community.
That vision has quickly turned into a reality.
The Hermiston Chamber of Commerce is expecting 4,000 visitors in Hermiston this weekend as Kennison Field plays host to three state football championship games. This comes a week after six teams came to town for the state semi-finals.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, top-seeded Burns takes on No. 3 seed Heppner in the 2A state championship game. At 2:30 p.m., No. 4 seed Harrisburg will play No. 7 seed Vale in the 3A championship game, and at 6 p.m., the No. 8 seed Sherman takes on No. 2 seed Adrian for the 1A championship game.
Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann said this week that Kennison Field is proving to be a boon for Hermiston.
“These people will be visiting our community, spending time in our community and spending money in our community,” he said.
Prior to the grand opening of Kennison Field in August 2013, Hermiston School District Deputy Superintendent Wade Smith talked about Kennison Field becoming a go-to site for state championship games.
“Just as the Hillsboro Stadium has brought athletic and economic opportunities to student athletes and their communities on the west side of the state, this facility will serve as a crown jewel for participants, families, and commerce throughout Central and Eastern Oregon,” he said. Hillsboro Stadium is hosting several state championship games this weekend, including the Saturday’s 5A title game pitting Hermiston against Silverton.
Kennison Field cost more than $4.5 million to construct, with the money coming from various grants and local donations and in-kind contributions. The multi-use facility, which accommodates football, soccer lacrosse, and track and field, features high-quality amenities for athletes and community users including advanced synthetic turf, with added concussion and injury reducing measures, an IAAF certified track, and separate throwing implement and jumping stations. The stadium also features elevated stadium seating, accessibility for disabled and elderly spectators, improved performance and access lighting, and assisted-listening technologies.
Kennison Field was also voted the best prep stadium in the state in a poll conducted in October.
“We can all be proud of what the facility means to our community,” the mayor said.
