BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Between engineering contracts at Whitetop Creek Park and architectural work at Tod Houston Field, the city of Bristol, Tennessee, committed hundreds of thousands of dollars toward a stadium project that has now ended with Boyd Sports.
In 2023, the city contracted with an engineering firm for design and surveying work at Whitetop Creek Park, which was initially considered as the stadium site. Community Relations Director Jon Luttrell said much of that work centered on stormwater management and general field improvements that would have been needed whether Tennessee High School or the State Liners ultimately used the site.
Earlier this year, the school system also hired Community Tectonics Architects to design potential upgrades at Tod Houston Memorial Field, the second proposed site for the project.
Under the agreement, the firm would be paid 8% of the project's total cost. A school spokesperson said the district remains responsible for payment.
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In addition, several paid city employees have worked on the project.
The total amount paid by the city during the planning stages was not immediately available Friday.
Luttrell confirmed the city learned in late July that Bristol, Virginia had approached Boyd Sports with an offer, but did not know an agreement had been reached until Wednesday, the day before the public announcement. Until then, he said, city officials were still working with Boyd Sports on a possible deal.
With Boyd Sports out of the picture, the future of Tod Houston Field, which is located off Bluff City Highway, now rests with both the Bristol Tennessee City Council and the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education.
"This will be a matter for City Council to discuss given this week's development and the loss of a significant private funding partner," Luttrell said.
Council rescinded its earlier agreement with Boyd Sports in June after school leaders raised concerns about the project, as well as the Melrose recreation center property, which the city purchased in 2022. At the time, council members said they still intended to pursue improvements at Tod Houston.
The City Council recently has given the school system the opportunity to acquire the Melrose property at no cost. The Board of Education has delayed its vote on whether to move forward with the proposal. It has been discussed to allow the wrestling team to use the building.
If the school system does not agree to the proposal, City Council said it will put the Melrose property on the market.
Bristol Tennessee Schools said Thursday the Virginia agreement allows them to focus solely on Tennessee High athletes moving forward.
The State Liners played last year in Greeneville and this season in Johnson City.
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