Make No Mistake, Roberts Stadium IS Historic

This past week, Evansville's Historic Preservation Officer declared Roberts Stadium to no longer be a historical structure. Although this was extremely disappointing news, it was to be expected.

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/oct/01/preservation-officer-roberts-no-longer-historical/?partner=popular

However, it does not slam the door on Roberts Stadium being a historical structure and it CERTAINLY does not mean Roberts Stadium should be demolished. In the memo that was released to the media, the main reason for declaring Roberts Stadium not a historic structure was due to the 1990-1991 renovation removing a large portion of the original remnants, particularly the eaves and brackets of the exterior.

While the loss of the original eaves and brackets was a significant blow to the Stadium, Au noted that the subterranean floor that is sunk beneath ground level is still intact although it was lowered a few feet during the renovation. This is the main component of Roberts Stadium, due to the fact that greats such as Jerry Sloan, Walt Frazier, and Bob Knight played/coached on this floor either before or after it was lowered.

Also if you look at pictures of Roberts Stadium before and after the renovation, you will notice that the majority of the exterior walls are still intact, including the most noticeable triangle top with 4 vents next to where the banners hang on the inside. While I don't have an exact percentage count, I think it is safe to say that the majority of the bricks, walls, and concrete in the original structure is still there.

Since the decision of a building's historic level is merely an opinion that is determined by historic officials, the main agency may very well rule that it is not as well. However, I believe that such decision should not come from local officials who have a vested interest in the outcome. I'm not saying that this decision was tainted purposely, I'm just saying that an independent arbitrator should make this ruling.

Most importantly, whether or not Roberts Stadium is deemed historic is irrelevant. The main question being asked here is whether or not Roberts Stadium has a useful purpose going forward. I believe it does as I have already listed 6 ideas and will continue to list more. I hope you will agree that "historic" Roberts Stadium needs to be preserved!