Civic Stadium

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:

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.

Facing a Monday deadline with no sign of major donors in sight, the Eugene City Council Wednesday tweaked its offer to purchase Civic Stadium. Last November, the city proposed buying Civic for $4.5-million on the condition that donors stepped up with $5.5-million. At Wednesday’s work session, the council voted to remove the contingency requirement. Councilor Mike Clark expressed doubt about the school district choosing the city’s proposal. And he doesn’t think the city should over extend itself financially.