Gleason to Push for Historical Designation for Atwood Stadium

Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) announced that he will be moving forward on efforts to have Atwood Stadium designated as an historical site by the State of Michigan. The 11,000-seat stadium is the largest in Genesee County and has been used as a venue for various sporting and entertainment events. Atwood also hosted then-Senator John F. Kennedy during a campaign stop in his bid for presidency in 1960.

"Atwood Stadium is full of history. This place has created a lot of memories since it was first opened more then 80 years ago," said Senator Gleason. "It has a fond place in my heart from my days playing high school football there. It means a lot to my family and to so many others in Flint. Atwood deserves to be recognized for historical significance."

The stadium was first opened in June of 1929 and was recently renovated in 2007. The stadium was the home of the annual Thanksgiving Day football game between Flint Central and Flint Northern from 1930-1976. It has been home to minor-league baseball and outdoor concerts. More recently, the stadium hosted homecoming events for Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram Jr. and American Idol contestant LaKisha Jones. Today the stadium is still the home of the athletic teams for several local schools as well as the semi-pro Flint Fury football team.