Greenwich High School Stadium Bleachers Closed For Repairs

GREENWICH, CT — The home side bleachers at Greenwich High School's Cardinal Field have been closed, effective immediately, "pending repair to bring them up to current code and/or replacement," announced interim Schools Superintendent Ralph Mayo Monday evening.

"We realize this is an inconvenience for upcoming athletic and ceremonial events, however, we will not compromise the safety of our staff, students, families or visitors to our schools," Mayo stated. "The high school is working on alternative plans for graduation and athletic events and will issue details as soon as they are available."

Current codes require bleachers to hold 100 pounds per square foot, according to district officials, but the Greenwich bleachers are built to only hold 60 pounds per square foot.

Replacement of the approximately 50-year-old Cardinal Field bleachers "is a priority project for
the Greenwich Public Schools 2019-2020 capital budget pending RTM action" on the budget next month, Mayo added. The Greenwich Representative Town Meeting is slated to vote on the budget on May 13.

"The District is researching options for short-term repair and timelines for replacement - if the capital project is approved," officials stated.

From Mayo's announcement:

Additional and recent concerns about the bleachers prompted the District to contract with
engineers to conduct an inspection. The Town Building Department also conducted an
inspection of the GHS bleachers. Findings indicate that while the bleachers had some remedial
work and temporary shoring installed in 2016, both the District’s engineer and the Town Building
Department concur that the bleachers need to be brought up to current building codes.

The Cardinal Field development project began with an initial feasibility study conducted in 2017-2018, calling for replacement of the aging bleachers, among other facility and grounds accessibility, safety and use improvements.