Hey Blake,
A news story recently mentioned renovations for City Park’s Tad Gormley and Pan American stadiums. What can you tell me about the history of both?
Tad Gormley Stadium, originally known as City Park Stadium, opened in October 1937. Built with federal funds during the Works Progress Administration, the stadium was billed in The New Orleans States as “modern in every respect,” with a seating capacity of nearly 29,000.
Although the stadium became best known as a home for high school football in New Orleans, the first athletic event it hosted was a college football game between Loyola University and DePaul University. That followed dedication ceremonies on Oct. 24, 1937 featuring Gov. Richard Leche, Lt. Gov. Earl Long, New Orleans Mayor Robert Maestri and others…