HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — If you've driven down Memorial Parkway, it's safe to say you've passed Joe Davis Stadium whether you realize it or not. Constructed back in the 80's, the stadium has recently undergone quite the transformation, and doors will soon be reopening.
Joe Davis Stadium is named after longtime mayor of Huntsville, Joe W. Davis, who was instrumental in the city's efforts to construct the stadium in the first place. Current Mayor Tommy Battler says that when they first started the project around 1984, it was built for baseball and football. "We started rebuilding the stadium over a year ago and we now are about, we're within 19 days of being ready to play the first game." That game will be professional soccer with the Huntsville City Football Club.
The stadium was once home to the minor league baseball team the Huntsville Stars. It sat vacant for years before plans of a soccer team coming to the Rocket City were taken more seriously. Now, game time is almost here. Chad Emerson, Managing Director of Business Operations for HCFC, says, "May 19th, professional soccer returns to Huntsville, Alabama."
But the stadium isn't just for soccer, according to District 5 City Councilman John Meredith, who anticipates this to be something that all citizens in Huntsville will have a use for.
Emerson agrees. "This is more than a soccer stadium. This is a community gathering place, the restored Joe Davis. We're going to have high school football. Huntsville City schools will play here in the fall. We're going to see a lot of other sporting events. We're going to see a lot of other private events, concerts, things like that. So if it can be done in a rectangular, open air facility, it can be done at Joe Davis."
WATCH: Joe Davis Stadium News Conference (courtesy: City of Huntsville)
Want more FOX54?
Get our app for Android and iOS.
We’re always on at FOX54+ on Roku and FireTV.
Click here to meet our team.
FOX54 News on Facebook
FOX54 News on Instagram
FOX54 News on Twitter