Asheville Celebrates Memorial Stadium’s renovation on April 15

Asheville --  Press Release City of Asheville: Ribbon Cutting and Asheville Sports and Fitness Fair celebrates Memorial Stadium’s renovation on

April 15. The City of Asheville invites the community to celebrate Memorial Stadium’s

 renovation with a community fair and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Asheville Sports and Fitness Fair aims to ignite community passion for wellness and will have many opportunities for residents to connect to Asheville’s  vibrant local sports and fitness scene. The Sports and Fitness Fair will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. The event will culminate in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the City at 6 p.m. to celebrate the extensive renovation of Memorial Stadium and the revitalization of Mountainside Park, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance recreational spaces and promote active lifestyles.

Mayor Esther Manheimer states, "The renovations at Memorial Stadium reflect a meaningful investment in our community and a commitment to preserving this historic space for future generations. Through thoughtful planning and strong community involvement, we are creating a place where residents can come together, celebrate, and enjoy recreational opportunities for years to come."

“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible range of sports and fitness opportunities available in Asheville in such a dynamic space as the recently-renovated Memorial Stadium,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, Asheville Parks & Recreation Director. “The investment in the stadium reflects our community’s commitment to health and recreation. We encourage everyone to celebrate Memorial Stadium’s legacy and discover new ways to move, connect, and thrive.”

Asheville Sports and Fitness Fair – 5-7 p.m.

Attendees have the unique chance to explore a diverse array of youth and adult sports leagues, engage with organizations dedicated to active living, and uncover a wealth of resources designed to enhance personal well-being with many organizations hosting interactive sessions throughout the day. From discovering hidden gems in the local fitness landscape to learning about innovative approaches to staying active, the fair promises an engaging and informative experience for all ages.

Organizations interested in participating in the Asheville Sports and Fitness Fair are encouraged to contact cbubenik@ashevillenc.gov as soon as possible, as space is limited.

Memorial Stadium Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 6 p.m.

Officially dedicated in 1927, Asheville’s Memorial Stadium is both a versatile sporting and event venue and a symbol dedicated to the city’s veterans. Funded by general obligation (GO) bonds approved by voters in 2016, stadium renovation includes the return of a walking and running track, new artificial turf, sidewalk around the field for accessibility, and replacement of the restroom and storage buildings, among other improvements. Since 2020, adjacent Mountainside Park has received many improvements including playground updates and new swings, redesigned entry area, benches, paved walking paths, lighting, trees for natural shade, and drainage improvements. Check out this article for more on the history of Memorial Stadium and Mountainside Park.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature brief remarks, a tribute to the city’s veterans, and a chance to explore the renovations. Veterans planning to attend the ceremony are encouraged to RSVP for reserved seating using this form by April 14.

Asheville Parks & Recreation: Explore, Connect, Discover!

With its oldest parks dating to the 1890s, Asheville Parks & Recreation manages a unique collection of more than 65 public parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout the city in a system that also includes full-complex recreation centers, Riverside Cemetery, sports fields and courts, and community centers that offer a variety of wellness-, education-, and culture-related programs for Ashevillians of all ages. With paved greenways and natural surface trails, its complete portfolio acts as the foundation of a vibrant hub for the people of Asheville to connect with their neighbors and explore the natural beauty of a livable and walkable city. As the city works to recover and rebound in the wake of massive destruction, some spaces are currently inaccessible.

Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, Asheville Parks & Recreation was the first nationally-accredited municipal recreation department in the United States. For latest updates, sign up for Asheville Parks & Recreation’s monthly newsletter, follow the department on Facebook (@aprca) and Instagram (@ashevilleparksandrecreation), or visit  www.ashevillenc.gov/parks.