A committee put together to cover the remaining debt on Wayne Jamison Field’s recently installed replacement artificial surface and six-lane all-weather track is getting closer to retiring the $100,000 needed to officially close the $700,000-plus project.

 

A big part of that will take place Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. At that time, a unique gathering called “A Night at the Races” will be held at the Bridgeport Conference Center and includes a social gathering, dinner and “races.”

 

According to Committee member Diana Marra, a company from Washington, Pa., will be at the event and have tapes of recorded races. Individuals at the event will “purchase” and “name” their horse. From there, the horses are randomly assigned to compete in races. An announcer will call the races using the horse’s names that have been chosen.

 

The cost to attend that event is $100, which admits two adults. The ticket will give you ownership and naming rights to one horse.

 

“We’ve sold about three quarters of the tickets for the night at the races,” said Marra. “We hope to sell out and we’re asking for the community to continue to support this.”

 

To get tickets, contact Bridgeport High School at 304-326-7137. You can also contact the following committee members by email: Ron Vernon at Ron.Vernon@frontier.com; Michelle Duez at michelle@connect-bridgeport.com; Travis Jones at travis.jones@wvradio.com; Dustin Vincent at dustinbvincent@yahoo.com; Robert or Diana Marra at rmarra@ma.rr.com; Glen or Justina Ogden at ogden.justina@gmail.com; or Paul Smith at pogsports@aol.com.

 

“I think people are excited to have the opportunity to go to an event that is a bit different that they’re used to and when you couple it with helping the high school it really draws interest. The first priority so many times in this community is to step up and help the high school, and you’re seeing that once again,” said Marra.

The group is also asking for business support as well. Although businesses have stepped up, the second method to raise money hasn’t taken off as had hoped. Marra, though, said it’s because of a busy agenda by those on the committee and the community.

 

“We had an early start to school, you’ve got Homecoming activities this week and then it seems like there’s something going on every evening. We just haven’t hit the business community like we want to and we’re hoping this will get the word back out and we also hope to be a bit more aggressive seeking those businesses that would like to be involved in the new venture,” said Marra.

 

The second venture many attending events at Jamison Field may have already noticed. Along the sidelines, double sided advertisements have been placed in clear view of those attending games for football and boys’ and girls’ soccer games, and possibly track meets. Businesses also can have their names attached to the heavily utilized concession stand at the field, depending on the donation level.

 

The sponsorship levels include a $5,000 sponsorship and ones for $2,500, $1,000 and $500. The two top level contributions include the actual on-field signage that will be near the sidelines and visible to the home stands. Depending on the level of donation, it also includes reserved seating to games, all-sports passes, business video spots on the scoreboard, tickets to “A Night at the Races” and more. The top level donations are for five years.

 

Already eight signs in the $5,000 range have been sold, Marra said. There is one sign up with a $2,500 sponsorship.

 

BHS football Coach Josh Nicewarner is pleased to see the early support. He hopes it continues with these fundraisers.

 

"The facility is first class. I think it’s the best of the best. Unfortunately, when you get the best of the best it come with a price tag," said Nicewarner. "The positive thing is that this community has stood behind this facility for all sports for several years. We’re trying to get closer to retiring that debt and I think we're on our way."

Click HERE to see all the information needed as far as the background of the project, information “A Night at the Races” as well as a complete breakdown of the sponsorship packages and what you receive which each one.

 

If interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the high school. Also, you can contact via email the same individuals listed above.

 

Editor's Note: Top two drone photos show the completed project of new turf and a new track at Jamison Field. Bottom photo shows one of the advertising banners businesses have the opportunity to purchase.