Although they are badly deteriorated, the home bleachers are not the only problem that caused city inspectors to condemn East Ridge High School’s Raymond James Stadium.
A report from the city of East Ridge Division of Building Codes also cited large cracks that run from the seating areas into the locker room and coaches’ offices below, rust on steel columns “possibly compromising the integrity of the designed load,” broken and badly weathered concrete steps and a press box with loose ladders and rotted wood railings. Other problems with the facility include the cheerleader area railings, which are only 22 inches high.
“We are requiring a structural engineer to report on the structure, and the (more serious) life safety items to be corrected before use of the stadium,” according to the letter, which was signed by East Ridge chief building official Brad Hayen and city fire marshal Kenny Custer.
“We believe the stadium to have possible structural and present life safety issues that need to be addressed and corrected to maintain the safe operation,” the two officials wrote in the concluding paragraph of their letter.
Pictures provided with the report include one showing someone standing with one foot in a hole that is well over ankle-deep.