Grambling State University officials are seeking options to renovate the Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.
How do we value the history and tradition of the greatest coach of all-time?
File photo
Eddie G. Robinson Stadium
It’s a question Grambling State interim athletic director, Obadiah Simmons, will soon answer about the schools historical 32 years old stadium.
“One of my primary goals as interim athletic director is to modernize Robinson Stadium, our desire is to transition the grass to the new artificial turf and bring in a state of the art digital scoreboard,” Simmons said.
Artificial turf has been known to provide a consistent year-round, all-weather playing surface built to withstand extended use without downtime for recovery. As a landscape cover, synthetic turf provides a low maintenance, weed-free surface that doesn't need to be watered or fertilized, and is available in styles that look like the grass types that are prevalent locally.
The digital scoreboard will give fans the ultimate big league experience with LED screens and big plays video capabilities. Student athletes say they would love to see the stadium expand and see the drainage issues resolved.
“We would like to see an elevator or escalator added to the stadium for the older fans who may not be able to walk down the stairs and comfortable seating,” Simmons said.
He said the costs of renovations are hard to project and depend upon what all the university select to construct. There is a long-term strategic plan that will need the support of fans, alumni, stakeholders and those entities that are interested in Grambling State athletics.
“If we can demonstrate through our contributions, through our attendance and our support for Grambling State athletics program, I think we can then demonstrate our love, respect and how we cherish the memory of Coach Robinson if we do those things on a consistent basis and not just once every 10 to 15 years,” Simmons said.
The legacy of Coach Robinson supersedes the length of time the stadium has been in existence, what better way to commemorate his memory, but by the upkeep of the stadium. All contributions and donations towards the upkeep of the Robinson
Stadium can be made out to the Grambling State University Foundation.