History of Tiger Pride Stadium

In 1994, under the presidency of Nick Disilvio, it became apparent to Tiger Pride that the Allegheny County Facilities at Stone Field were deplorable, especially during inclement weather. There were also numerous scheduling conflicts between the county and other football organizations that used Stone Field. In late 1994, board members Nick Disilvio and Bob Martins met with the Mike Smith, President of Franklin Park Borough Council, and his staff at which, time a tentative site in Blueberry Park was suggested.

In January of 1995, Bob Martins became the president of Tiger Pride and a new field committee was formed. This field committee included Bob Martins, Art Guzzetti, Jim Herbert, Pete O’Connell, and Nick Disilvio. During the year, plans were drawn for the field and adjoining structures. Alice Williams, Tiger Pride Board Member, discovered that the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office had joined a class action lawsuit against Reebok. The settlement money from this lawsuit was to be donated to youth sport organizations throughout the country. In June of 1995, State Senator Melissa Hart, submitted a request, on behalf of Tiger Pride Football, for $40,000 of the pending Reebok settlement.

In February of 1996, Gerry Reichart, Manager of Franklin Park Borough, informed Tiger Pride that the borough would provide a basic field less the top soil, seed, drainage, track and access roads. In March of 1996, the area where Tiger Pride field is now located, was raised approximately 15 feet. This was accomplished by removing the top of the hill where the new Blueberry Community Center now stands and back filling for the field. The excavation was done, at a reduced cost, by Allegheny Excavating Company, which is owned by Franklin Park resident Gary Sippel.

During the summer of 1996, the field reached its final elevation and the topsoil was added. In. August of 1996, at a meeting between the Franklin Park Borough and Tiger Pride, two goals were set:

1. All aspects of the field were to be completed in a first class maimer.
2. Have the field ready by August of 1997

In September of 1996, under the supervision of Ron Merriman, Director of Public Works for Franklin Park Borough, and with the assistance of Franklin Park Nursery owners, Thomas, Patricia, and Patrick. Greaser, the field was prepared and hydro seeded. Shortly after, Franklin Park Borough installed an asphalt track, along with the adjacent roadways. Floyd Wine, owner of Wine Construction donated the asphalt. By October of 1996, a beautiful lush green football field emerged.

In the fall of 1996, major financial contributions were obtained from the following businesses and/or individuals:

• JJ Herbert & Sons
• Claude Herbert & Son
• Baierl Chevrolet
• Wright Automotive
• Art Leibhart, owner of Ingomar Shop N Save
• Dave White, Attorney
• John Evans, Attorney and Tiger Pride Board Member, & Family
• Jerry Lombard, Tiger Pride Board Member

In October of 1996, Tiger Pride obtained $10,390 from the Reebok settlement. It was also during this time that Tiger Pride presented a check for $15,000 to the Franklin Park Borough at a council meeting as thanks for their contributions and hard work. In December of 1996, Tiger Pride signed an agreement with Cameron Coca-Cola in which they provided a score board in exchange for exclusive use of their products for five years.

During the winter and spring of 1997, Franklin Park Borough Public Works began construction of the concession stand. Thrower & Sons Concrete of Saxonburg donated the concrete for this project. During the month of June 1997 Ed Simon, Tiger Pride Board Member and owner of Simon Construction, placed the second floor and roof on the concession stand. This was completed at no cost to the organization. Other materials were donated in part by Craig Williams, Tiger Pride Football Coach and owner of H.O.P. lumber. Rick Carlisle, Tiger Pride Football Coach, and his employer Cassady Pierce Company donated the roofing materials and vinyl siding. The roof and vinyl siding was installed by Joe LaPlace, Tiger Pride parent, at no cost to the organization. The installation of the electrical system was donated by the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), under the direction of long time Franklin Park resident, Ron Reibie.

In July of 1997, the fence around the field was funded and installed by Franklin Park Borough. In August of 1997, Franklin Park Borough agreed to lend Tiger Pride $10,000 toward the first set of bleachers. On August 23, 1997, the grand opening was held with an exhibition game against Avonworth, The first set of bleachers was installed in October of 1997, in time for the last home game.

Advance planning by several boards of directors, as well as committed fund raising by Tiger Pride families, has allowed the accumulation of the targeted funds for installation of lights at Tiger Pride Stadium. These lights have now been installed allowing Tiger Pride greater flexibility in the scheduling of practices and games.

© 2003 NA Tiger Pride Football