TRAVERSE CITY, MI --
Event Information:
- Friday, September 10, 2010
- A Community Tailgate dinner will be hosted, beginning at 4 pm and ending at approximately 8 pm. Cost is $5 (children 5 and under eat free) with net proceeds to be used to continue to support Thirlby Field
- An on-field presentation will be held between the West game and Central game (approx. 7 – 7:15 pm) to honor Don and Gerry Oleson, who made a personal commitment in the Fall of 2009 to sponsor artificial turf. The marching bands from Central High School, West Senior High and St. Francis will perform together prior to the presentation.
Contacts:
- Community Foundation: Phil Ellis or Alison Metiva, 231-935-4066
- Fourth and Goal Campaign Co-Chair: Tim Brick, 231-947-4274
- TCAPS: Alison Arnold, 231-933-8995
Key Project Details:
- Fourth and Goal Campaign was led by the Community Foundation and community volunteers, in coordination with TCAPS
- North side stadium improvements (locker rooms, concessions and restrooms) were completed in 2008
- Permanent facilities for players, parents, and fans were available for the first time during the 2008 season
- South side improvements and the elevator to the press box were completed in 2009 and available for the 2009 season
- In the Fall of 2009, Don and Gerry Oleson made a personal commitment to sponsor artificial turf for Thirlby Field
- Don Oleson and Gerry Oleson played football at Thirlby Field during their high school years, both having graduated from Traverse City Central High, Gerry Oleson in 1950 and Don Oleson in 1951.
- The Oleson family has been a major supporter of Thirlby Field, dating back to improvements made in the early 1990s and through the recent Community Foundation Fourth and Goal Campaign. In all, contributions to support Thirlby Field by Don Oleson, Gerry Oleson, and the Oleson Foundation will total approximately $1 million.
- TCAPS has committed to establishing and maintaining a reserve fund sufficient to ensure the timely replacement of the artificial turf as needed in the future
- More than $1.9 million was raised to benefit Thirlby Field
