This April, Bloomsburg may break traditions and seek a new home for this year’s most celebrated team, the varsity football squad. But the move will challenge the traditions of many.

Scheduled to begin in Spring 2008, Redman Stadium at Bloomsburg University will undergo its own renovations, not only to upgrade facilities for its own team, but to allow the Panthers and other regional teams to play games there. While uncertain as of press time, the primary plan for the football squad is to make this move to Redman Stadium a permanent one.

Head Coach Larry Sones looks forward to the possible move. “It’ll be positive for the football program and everything else Friday night because of the facilities BU has to offer, “Says Sones.

Superintendent Joe Kelly stated that the number one reason for the move was because of the chance that a flood may occur in the near future and would demolish all of the new renovations to Panther Stadium.

Safety was also a consideration. The gaps between the bleachers are such a margin that small children may slip through them and seriously injure themselves, which has occurred twice since 1999. In fact, a recently passed law banned such gaps, such as the 14 inches between the seats at Panther Stadium.

Playing at the campus will allow the team access to a bigger stadium. A larger area will benefit fans at games drawing crowds in the thousands, such as the 2007 championship game against Line Mountain. At Panther’s Stadium,” We had people who had to stand,” says Sones. “Parking’s also an issue. At BU, it won’t be.”

Artificial turf costing$700,000 will also be a plus for the players. “It [Artificial turf] is more forgiving to athletes,” says Sones. In addition, “Astro turf eliminates problems year in and year out with your field.” Said problems include recent flooding, storms, and the need to cancel games because of excessive mud. According to Sones, artificial turf, “will help just as far as the number of games… very seldom will we have to call off a game because of weather.”

The potential move may bring about problems regarding space for clubs, such as the band boosters. Possible solutions include portable stands bought by the district or trailers to have larger areas.

Junior varsity, midgets and middle school football will continue to be used for games and varsity practice as well. The school will be purchasing new bleachers to be able to play games here.

Other possible additions are new track and field facilities, and if a jumping pit is included in the plans, then a possible move to the University for the Schools track teams may be in the near future.