HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A ribbon cutting was hosted for the newly renovated Joe Davis Stadium and was previewed to the public ahead of Huntsville City Football Club's home opener this Friday.
Mayor Tommy Battle shares, "this iconic venue has undergone a remarkable transformation. And a lot of the people behind here, behind me here are the ones that really made this happen. We have evolved to a state of the art facility that will serve as a vibrant hub for a wide range of events and activities that will enrich the lives of our everyday citizens."
After 14 months, the $34 million renovation of Joe Davis Stadium is finally ready to welcome the public.
Mark Russell, the executive director of Huntsville Sports Commission, says, "we want you to know this stadium will be a tremendous asset to the citizens of Huntsville. We have been talks of hosting college football here and with the size and features of the same, we think it'll be a great experience for athletes, coaches and fans."
The stadium will act as a venue for all sorts of events and games, but after Tuesday night's ribbon cutting, the focus was on Huntsville City Football Club.
Hundreds of fans entered the stadium ahead of their first ever home game.
Ian Ayre, President of HCFC, says, "I can't imagine what it must feel like to be part of something as historic as today to be around when your team gets its first stadium for its first professional soccer team and be part of that. And it's important everyone who's here today, you know, you remember that as you grow older, as your kids grow up, you are here on that momentous day when this stadium opened."
Fans were able to check out the stadium and some took the time, "seeing where we want to sit."
Dax, a big soccer fan, says after previewing the facility, "I think it looks really good, and I think they did a really good job on it."
They were also able to witness the launch of the club's first home uniforms, got to meet the players, and check out some of the amenities.
Chad Emerson, the managing director of business operations for HCFC, emphasizes, "there are so many people smiling tonight and it's just so rewarding to see Huntsville come out and love our soccer team. Just really appreciate our squad and appreciate the return of Joe Davis Stadium and Wicks Family Field."