Newly renovated Ross Field open for use

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School’s varsity boys soccer team was the first to “break in” the long-awaited and newly renovated Ross Field on Sept. 20 with its game against Whitney Point High School.

Although spectators needed to work around a bit of construction still going on, parking limitations, lack of full sets of bleachers, using portable bathroom facilities and the game ending in a double-overtime, hard-fought tie, none of that superseded the thrill of being present for that first official athletic event. And the players had the added thrill of being the first team to play on the new turf field.

Groton Central School Superintendent Margo Martin could not be more pleased at how well the project has come together, despite supply shortages and delays, inclement weather and other minor hurdles to overcome.

“It seems like it has been a long time coming, but when you consider ground was not broken on the Ross Field renovations until the end of April, it is rather remarkable that our students are now able to enjoy competing on the new playing surface,” Martin said. “Both girls and boys soccer teams have had opportunity to compete on the field, as well as the community’s youth football teams. Practices are being scheduled daily, and it is evident from the look on the players’ faces that they are proud to be a part of the Groton sports program.”

Despite practices and games being held and played on a daily basis, there is still some work to be done at Ross before the renovation is fully completed. At the time of this writing, the bleachers and concession stand are nearing completion, with the goal of having the bleachers available for the first home varsity football game of the season versus Charles O. Dickerson High School, scheduled for Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.

“And what a time to celebrate the new field, with our varsity football team enjoying early success with an undefeated record so far!” Martin proudly said.

Concessions may have to be served under a tent for game one, and bathrooms may be limited to portable facilities, but Martin believes that by the week of Oct. 10, “We will have a completed concession stand, equipped with restrooms, team rooms and a nice space for serving food and refreshment to the public while they enjoy watching our athletes perform.”

Along with the changes to the entire venue at Ross Field, Groton Central School District has put in place some new protocols, which went into effect Sept. 28 to protect and steward its investment in this amazing new community resource. They are as follows.

Parking will be limited to the Baken Avenue parking lot through Oct. 6, as there is still a significant amount of construction going on at the concession stand and the bleachers. Due to the limited number of parking spaces, the district is asking families who are able to park at the village parking lot on Main Street (across from the Groton American Legion) until further notice. That way, they are reserving the available parking spaces for those people who need accessibility.

In order to ensure that the new A-Turf field is not contaminated with dirt, gravel, etc., only authorized personnel will be allowed on the artificial turf. That includes players, coaches and official photographers only.

No food or chewing gum is allowed on the field. Players have been instructed to bring clear fluids only, as colored drinks will stain the field.

No pets are allowed at the facility at any time.

The grass that has been put down at Ross Field is freshly laid sod that cannot be walked on for the first six months. Therefore, please stay off the grass areas at all times.

There are no indoor bathrooms available at Ross Field as the concession stand is not yet completed. There will be portable bathroom facilities on site until that work is fully completed.

There are bleachers available on one side of the field. Feel free to bring a lawn chair if you wish to sit by the fence that surrounds the field. Home field bleachers are scheduled to be finished in time for the first home football game, scheduled for Oct. 7, but it may not hurt to have your lawn chair handy in your vehicle, just in case.

“Thank you so much to the community for supporting this work,” Martin said. “We truly hope you all are able to stop by and enjoy the venue while our teams are playing!”

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.

In brief:

Legion grill nights on hold

The Groton American Legion Thursday Grill Nights will be paused for a few weeks while some renovations are done in the kitchen. The members who so faithfully serve and put on these Thursday night dining opportunities extend their thanks for the community’s support and understanding during this brief pause. Groton on the Inside will be sure to publish when the next grill night will be happening.

Ag Trivia Night

The Groton Farmer Challenge/Agriculture Trivia Night & Silent Auction is back! The event will be held at Stonehedges Golf Course & Banquet Facility, 549 Stevens Rd., and catered by Groton’s own Dick Brecht of the Groton Red Caboose. All are welcome Oct. 22.

The evening will begin with a social hour from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by dinner, agriculture trivia and a silent auction. Cost is $50 per person for admission and dinner. A cash bar will be available. All proceeds from the event will support the Groton chapter of the Future Farmers of America.

To obtain tickets, contact any Groton Agriculture Advisory Board member or message Groton Agriculture on Facebook, tinyurl.com/2mxhydeb.

Groton Youth Football/Cheer fundraiser

Groton Youth Football/Cheer will sponsor a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse, 719-25 S. Meadow St., Ithaca, from 12 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23. Whether you dine in or get your meal to go, 10% of your total bill will be given to support these young athletes and their programs — just be sure you mention that you wish to have your meal count toward it. Call-ahead seating is highly encouraged at (607) 272-1621.