Ritchie Field Construction
August 2008
Stadium Seating Plans for Ritchie Field to Progress into Fall Season: As the result of last fall's microburst in Castine, Maine Maritime Academy lost the use of all stadium seating surrounding Ritchie Field due to fallen tree damage. This devastating storm created an interesting mix of opportunity and challenge for us as we approached replacement options. The situation presented the opportunity to replace the aging seating and provide a new, modern facility complete with integrated press box, improved seating and grandstand access, and storage, all in an attractive, landscaped setting. Our challenge existed in the need to complete a complex design, engineering, bidding, and construction project in less than one year. Due to unforeseen circumstances, complications in these processes did not enable us to arrive at a quality product which adequately maximized this opportunity and provided a stadium suitable for Mariner athletes and their fans. In short, we were unwilling to compromise on the quality, function, and appearance of the new facility.
With our apologies, stadium seating will not be available for the coming athletic season. We will make temporary arrangements to improve access to the area and provide some seating during high spectator events. We ask that Mariner fans bring a few lawn chairs and a lot of patience and understanding as we work to ensure a beautiful and sound facility that will endure as a source of pride for years to come. We thank our student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans for their support and will offer status updates and artist's renderings of our plans at upcoming athletic contests throughout the year.
