Civic Stadium

Architects have been selected to design facilities at the old Civic Stadium. The non-profit Eugene Civic Alliance selected Robertson / Sherwood and Skylab Architect firms to design the new site.

The fourth boy charged in Eugene's Civic Stadium fire was sentenced today (Wednesday.) As KLCC's Tiffany Eckert reports, the juvenile took responsibility for his actions and must now follow the conditions of his probation.

Eugene's Civic Stadium property was open to the public yesterday (Sunday) for the first time since a fire destroyed the historic grandstand in June. About 1,500 people visited for "Civic Community Day" to play games, reminisce and get a look at the master plan to rebuild the site. Civic Alliance Advisory Board member Derrick Johnson tells KLCC's Tiffany Eckert about the fire's effects and what the future holds.

Two of the four boys charged with setting the fire that destroyed Eugene's Civic Stadium in June are suspected in at least one other arson involving a dumpster.

Of all the natural elements—fire seems to elicit our most primal responses. Human fascination with fire starts early and some research reveals the less we learn about fire as kids—the stronger our curiosity grows into adulthood. KLCC's Tiffany Eckert takes a look at societal views and how we educate children about the function and the dangers of fire.

When Eugene's Civic Stadium burned down in late June, it seemed like the whole community felt the blow. It turned out a group of local boys had started the blaze when they were playing with a lighter in the press box at the shuttered wooden ball park. It's uncertain what will happen to these 4 boys, age 10 to 12.

Four boys will likely be charged with 2nd degree arson for causing the fire that destroyed Eugene's Historic Civic Stadium Monday. A fifth boy came to police Wednesday morning.

Witnesses had reported seeing a group of boys around the press box at Civic before the fire Monday evening. Eugene Police Detective Steve Williams says three of the boys are 12 and the other is 10 years old. He says they didn't give him a reason for setting the fire.

Eugene Police say four young boys will be charged with crimes related to Monday's destructive fire of Civic Stadium.

Crews are still mopping up embers at Eugene's Civic Stadium where the historic grandstands burned down Monday.

The Eugene Police arson team will investigate the fire. Chief Pete Kerns says it's unknown whether the blaze was intentional. Witnesses report 3 or 4 young people were seen at the stadium before the fire. Kerns says he's hoping for the public's help.

Kerns: "Typically in cases like this that have so much community interest we learn who the people were that were seen leaving a scene like this so we don't want anyone to be afraid to come to the police."

A fire broke out at Eugene's Civic Stadium around 5:30. Crews responded immediately, but were unable to save the structure. Reporter Desmond O'Boyle spoke with Rachael McDonald, who was at the scene.

Soccer has been growing in the United States for years, and the number of professional teams is exploding. Fans in Eugene and Springfield are beneficiaries of the expansion. The Lane United Football Club begins its second season Friday.

Lane United is a semi-professional team. Most of the athletes are current top-tier college players. This year, there’s also a group of club players from Spain. Spokesman Chris Burke says the mix makes for a quality game:

The effort to save historic civic stadium in Eugene continues. Yesterday (Wednesday) supporters were given an extension to raise money to renovate the dilapidated ball park.

The Eugene City Council voted 5 to 4 to extend the fundraising deadline from September 5th to December 1st. Earlier in the year, the city of Eugene won a bid to purchase the site for 4.5 million dollars. That selection was contingent upon the success of groups like “friends of civic stadium” to raise      $3 million dollars *and find an entity to operate the facility. So far they’ve raised about $200,000.

The Eugene YMCA is hoping to build a new facility. The Eugene 4J School District needs to build a new middle school. The two entities are working together to find a solution.

Eugene’s Depression-era stadium has a new chance for life.  Wednesday night, the Eugene 4J School Board voted to accept the City of Eugene’s bid for Civic Stadium.  The City offered $4.5 million for the Civic Stadium properties in South Eugene, but is requiring the community to raise significant additional funds to renovate the neglected all-wood grandstand and manage the facility.  4J Board Member Jim Torrey put it bluntly.

Wednesday night the Eugene 4j School Board will decide if they will accept the City of Eugene’s offer to purchase historic Civic Stadium. 

The district received three bids for the properties in South Eugene – one each from Fred Meyer, the YMCA, and the City of Eugene.  Superintendent Sheldon Berman has recommended the district accept the City’s offer. At a 4J School Board Meeting in early February, board members seemed tired of the issue, which they have been dealing with for the past decade.  

Board Chair Mary Walston:

On February 19th, the 4J school board will decide who should be allowed to purchase Civic Stadium. Three groups are vying for the property: the YMCA, Fred Meyer and the City of Eugene.  4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommends going with the city’s plan to purchase and restore the historic grandstands and sports field.  Ward 1 City Councilor George Brown has been a vocal proponent of saving Civic Stadium. He tells KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert what will happen if a majority of the 4J board give the city the nod.

Fred Meyer 's proposal to purchase Civic Stadium  for $5. 25 million is one of three being considered by Eugene 4J.  Last week, 4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommended the District negotiate with the City of Eugene for acceptance of its offer.  We hear from Fred Meyer spokeswoman Melina Merrill:

Melinda Merrill, spokeswoman for Fred Meyer, on its offer to purchase Civic Stadium.

A Eugene YMCA proposal for the purchase of Civic Stadium for  $4.5 million dollars is one of three being considered by Eugene 4J.   Last week ,  4J Superintendent Shelley Berman recommended the District negotiate with the City of Eugene for acceptance of its offer. Here's the reaction of Dave Perez , Eugene YMCA executive director:

Dave Perez, executive director of the Eugene YMCA,  on the  Y's  offer to purchase  Civic Stadium.

Earlier this week, 4J Schools Superintendent Sheldon Berman recommended the sale of the Civic Stadium properties to the City of Eugene, over competing bids from Fred Meyer and the YMCA.  A final decision by the 4J Board is still two weeks away.  Wednesday night, Board members heard community response to the recommendation.

Berman: “This has been a long process…”

Eugene Superintendent Shelley Berman announced Monday he would recommend the 4j School Board negotiate purchase of Civic Stadium with the City of Eugene. The price would be four point five million dollars. 

YMCA Executive Director Dave Perez Tuesday voiced disappointment while still holding out hope:

Perez:  “We really felt that our proposal offered the community and the School District some tremendous long-term benefits. We don’t think we’re out of it yet. The Board still has to make a decision on the 19th, and we’ll just see what kind of happens then.”

Superintendent Sheldon Berman is recommending the 4J School Board select The City of Eugene's offer of 4.5 million dollars to purchase the Civic Stadium Properties.

Berman acknowledged the district is currently strained financially. He said there were three main reasons he came to his decision.

This month, the Eugene 4J School Board is expected to make its decision about the fate of Civic Stadium.

4J Superintendent Sheldon Berman is expected to announce his recommendation at 4 p.m. Monday. Proposals from Fred Meyer, Eugene YMCA and The City of Eugene to purchase the property are each being considered. Eugene School district spokeswoman Kerry Delf says the School Board makes the ultimate decision February 19th.

Proponents of refurbishing Eugene's historic Civic Stadium into a soccer venue are continuing to gather community support. About 50 people attended a rally Saturday that started downtown and ended at the Stadium.

Fans of the Lane United Football Club and the group, Save Civic Stadium hope the 4-J District considers an option to turn the aging venue into a soccer field. Protester Jac Thomas says soccer is popular in Oregon, and Eugene could support a semi-pro team.

The Eugene 4J School Board has eliminated an offer of $16.56 cents for the 10 acre Civic Stadium property in South Eugene. That brings the number of proposals to three. The board hopes to have a decision by mid February.

Four groups have offered to purchase Civic Stadium. The Eugene 4J School District has been looking to sell the 75-year old ball park in south Eugene for more than a decade.

Eugene 4J declared Civic Stadium surplus property in 2002. This most recent request for proposals to purchase the 10 acre site closed Tuesday. Purchase offers came from the City of Eugene, The YMCA, Fred Meyer and the non-profit Friends of Civic Stadium. 4J Spokeswoman Kerry Delf says the school board will evaluate the proposals based on the money offered and other factors.