WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The Watertown Community is invited to pay tribute to the Watertown Stadium and its history during this Thursday’s football game, the last regular season game played by the Arrows in that stadium.
There is a long history of Arrows football games, where many young men left their blood, sweat, and tears on the field. The stadium holds the memories of several decades of Watertown students, parents, and fans alike.
Chris Jacobson, a former teacher and coach with the Watertown School District for 38 years, to learn more about the history of the stadium.
Jacobson collaborated with Roger Merriam, a longtime and current sports writer for the Watertown Public Opinion newspaper, for more background information,
Drainage problems caused more issues when heavy rains fell, allowing water to enter the locker rooms. In 2005, an additional building was built to the East of the field. This building houses restrooms, a concession stand, and both Varsity and Sophomore locker rooms.
Construction started on the stadium in 1940 and was completed in December 1941, thanks to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) project funding of $66,000. President Roosevelt’s work-relief program is said to have employed more than 8.5 million people. For an average salary of $41.57 a month, WPA employees built bridges, roads, public buildings, public parks, and airports.
Jacobson said that when it came to the Arrows, the stadium became a “symbol.”
The stadium saw several memorable victories.
The stadium, which sits on approximately 3.7 acres, was officially certified on May 16, 2000, for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The document mentions the renovations from 1988 to 1991, consisting of repairs, new metal seating, and lighting, which had no impact on the historic appearance of the structure or diminished its integrity.
The report stated, “The Watertown Stadium is a physical reminder of the unprecedented use of government aid to construct community improvements, particularly for recreation and leisure.”
Now the Watertown Arrows players and fans look towards the new Athletic Complex.
The Arrows celebrated their 83rd Homecoming this year in the stadium.
Watertown will host Aberdeen Central in the regular season finale at 7pm.