West Virginia School’s Grandstands Closed Due to Safety Concerns

The grandstands at Parkersburg High School’s Stadium Field are closed because of safety concerns.

West Virginia media outlets report that an engineering inspection last month found cracking in the aging grandstands’ concrete. The report urges the school district to further inspect the girders and columns.

Wood County assistant schools superintendent Sue Woodward says it could cost more than $1 million to correct the problems. She says school officials don’t know whether the grandstands will be ready for the 2013 football season.

Facilities underneath the grandstands remain open.

The grandstands were built in 1924. A steel frame was added in the early 1990s.

Superintendent Patrick Law says arrangements will be made for spring sports teams that play home games at Stadium Field.