We read with great disappointment the decision of the Interscholastic Football League committee to have the high school championship games played at Rutland High School again this year. As pointed out in the article the field is not the best for viewing. We think that is putting it mildly. The field as far as a fan perceptive is worse than awful.
The bleachers are a long way from the field and there is never enough seating for a big game even in the regular season. The side hill standing is painful at best. The parking is another nightmare; the last time we went we had to park at Home Depot.
It was a long wait for a bus and after the game no bus readily available so we had to walk back to Home Depot. I can’t imagine a rainy day and night and the walk out of that field could be a bad experience.
If anyone has been to a championship game or Shrine game at Spartan Field you know what a great experience viewing a game at that facility is. Parking is good, the walk to the field is not an issue and the stands are wonderful and it’s always a neutral playing field.
The article states the reason for choosing Rutland was, “the choice was made citing the many volunteers at the Rutland school who have helped the event run smoothly there in the past three years.”
We find that if that is the only reason they can find to hold this important sporting event at such a terrible sight for the fans then we need new eyes on the subject. Lousy viewing and lousy parking would be a good reason to start looking elsewhere.
Northeast Sports Network televises high school games throughout the season but not the championship game.
I suspect the Principals’ Association could have something to do with that so fans attend the game in person and pay the fees. I have no problem with that if the field is accessible for viewing and parking and Rutland is neither.
Steve and Sheila Huestis
Bridport