The 6,000-seat Rayens stadium, built in 1924, was the site of athletic events for nearby schools. For decades, it served as home field to Ursuline High School, and Youngstown State University.
The estimated cost of refurbishment is more than $2.6 million. The Youngstown Board of Education is seeking avenues to raise funds for the projects. The project involves installation of artificial turf and improved seating for the stadium. Spacious parking area will also be created. Renovation of the stands, new building to house locker rooms, public bathrooms and new concession stand are also on the proposed plans.
Rayen High School was one of the three oldest public high schools in the city of Youngstown. Rayen High School closed permanently in June 2007, to make way for the opening of a consolidated East High School. The stadium fell into disuse after 1982, with the completion of Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium. The stadium is still used by the district’s two middle-school football teams.
