A horseshoe of dreams. That is what Newark Schools Stadium is. This stadium has seen generations of athletes. It has also witnessed moments of community and resilience.
Newark Schools Stadium stands on Bloomfield Avenue. It is located between Abington and Roseville Avenues in Newark, New Jersey. There were actually two stadiums with the same name on this site. The original one opened in 1925. It was a reinforced concrete horseshoe. It could seat 25,000 people.
The original Newark Schools Stadium hosted many events. High school football was common. Baseball’s Newark Stars played here in 1926. The Newark Tornadoes of the NFL called it home in 1930.
But time took its toll. By 2006, the original stadium was condemned. It was demolished in 2009. A new stadium rose from the ashes. It opened in 2011. The current Newark Schools Stadium still has a horseshoe shape. But it is smaller. It now holds 5,600 spectators. Instead of concrete seating, there are two metal bleacher sections.
Today, Barringer High School and Newark Collegiate Academy play football here. Newark has seven high schools with football teams. Newark Schools Stadium is one of four venues they use.
Beyond football, Newark Schools Stadium has a rich history. In 1967-68, the Newark Ukrainian Sitch soccer club played here. Although the stadium had a capacity of 25,000, crowds were usually in the hundreds.
The stadium played a role in the 1967 Newark riots. It served as a staging area for the New Jersey National Guard. They came to support the Newark Police Department.
Before its decline, Newark Schools Stadium witnessed some incredible moments. Olympian Jesse Owens once raced here. He even lost to a local Newark runner named Eulace Peacock. Olympian Milt Campbell started his track career at this stadium. The National Women’s Olympic Trials were held here in 1928.
The stadium’s condition declined over the years. Parts of the wooden bleachers were blocked off. This prevented spectators from sitting in unsafe areas.
In 2006, the Newark City Council approved funding for a new stadium. Construction began after the old stadium was demolished. During construction, Barringer and East Side played at Untermann Field.
The new Newark Schools Stadium is a tribute to the past. The facade has arches like the original stadium. A new clock tower symbolizes Newark’s history and future. The stadium has synthetic turf fields and stadium lighting. It accommodates football, soccer, softball, and track events.
For decades, the North Newark Little League called this place home. They used the baseball fields from 1955. They were the last to use the stadium before reconstruction.
Newark Schools Stadium is more than just a sports venue. It connects the traditions of Newark schools with the city’s revitalization. It’s a place where memories are made and where the spirit of Newark shines.