07/16/2026
Update on the removal of the Bleachers at Memorial Field
City of Concord to Begin Memorial Field Bleacher Removal
Following approval by the City Council at its April 2026 meeting, the City of Concord, in partnership with Milestone Engineering, will soon begin removing the football bleachers and a portion of the baseball bleachers at Memorial Field.
In late fall 2025, the City retained The H.L. Turner Group to conduct a comprehensive structural evaluation of the Memorial Field football grandstands, visitor bleachers, press box, and the Doane Diamond baseball bleachers. Based on the age, condition, and numerous code deficiencies identified during the assessment, the firm recommended that the main football grandstand, visitor bleachers, and press box be removed from service until replacement facilities can be constructed.
The evaluation also found that while the overall baseball bleachers remain in fair condition, the superstructure located behind home plate requires removal until new foundations can be installed. The City will preserve and store reusable portions of the baseball seating on site for future use.
The H.L. Turner Group identified several significant safety concerns that prompted the City's decision to move forward with the project. Visible structural deterioration—including corrosion, material fatigue, and potential instability—creates an elevated risk of injury to spectators. Continued use of the existing structures would expose the City to significant liability.
In addition to the structural concerns, the existing bleachers do not meet current building or accessibility standards, including requirements of the International Building Code (IBC) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Maintaining facilities that do not comply with these standards increases the City's legal exposure and could affect insurance coverage and risk ratings.
The removal project is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete. As part of the work, a new storage shed will be installed at the varsity football field to serve as a temporary press box. The structure will house the public address system equipment and provide electrical service for operating the football field lights.
The City appreciates the public's patience during this important safety improvement project.