The Lebanon Community School District announced the closure of Heath Stadium’s grandstand seating due to structural concerns and changes in insurance coverage.
In a press release, the district said the decision – made unanimously by the Lebanon School Board during a meeting on March 31 – will remain in effect until further evaluation of the situation is completed.
The seating on both sides of the grandstand, as well as the visitors’ seating area, will remain open. Graduation and sporting events will proceed as scheduled, and the track and field will remain open for community use.
Heath Stadium was originally built in 1957. Regular maintenance has been conducted over the years, including annual replacement of seating boards, the addition of handrails in 2013 and reinforced welding supports in 2015.
“Regular maintenance has been key to preserving Heath Stadium for as long as possible,” School Board Chair Tom Oliver said. “Over the years, the district has invested in repairs and improvements to keep the facility safe and functional for our students and community. However, the reality is that there’s a limit to what you can do with maintenance on a nearly 70-year-old concrete building.”
Late last year, the stadium was evaluated by the district’s insurance carrier and an engineering firm identified deterioration of the grandstand structure. Given the safety and liability concerns, the school board, following legal counsel’s recommendation, voted to close the grandstand seating.
Key structural concerns include:
- Sections of concrete on the stairs and under the seats are deteriorating, exposing rebar and creating unsafe conditions. Crumbling concrete on staircases has also compromised stability and access.
- The structure is no longer insured at replacement cost but at “actual cash value,” which is minimal due to its age.
- Areas of steel show significant rust and corrosion, requiring further evaluation to determine the extent of damage.
In addition to the temporary closure, the board instructed staff to work toward plans to increase seating in the stadium. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
“While closing the grandstand seating was a difficult decision, it was a necessary step to ensure safety,” Superintendent Jennifer Meckley said. “Our district remains committed to hosting middle and high school games in the stadium, as well as celebrating the Class of 2025’s graduation in June.”