Bank, health system team up for new EHS scoreboard

ELKINS -- Elkins High School's football stadium will soon sport a new video scoreboard, thanks to the teamwork shown by an area bank and a local health system.

Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Davis Health System have announced the sponsorship of a new Tiger Stadium scoreboard at Elkins High School. The Randolph County Board of Education approved the purchase of the scoreboard during its Aug. 1 meeting.

"The state-of-the-art scoreboard will feature a high-definition LED video screen and provide real-time updates and dynamic graphics, enhancing the game-day experience for players and fans alike," a press release states.

"The multi-purpose stadium, serving football, soccer, and track, has recently undergone significant upgrades, making this new addition a welcomed enhancement."

The scoreboard is expected to be installed in October, officials said.

"Citizens Bank prioritizes supporting projects that benefit the communities we serve," said President and CEO Nathaniel Bonnell. "We recognize and value the positive impact that investing in our youth and community development can have on the places we call home."

The Citizens Bank of West Virginia and Davis Health System logos will appear on the sides of the video board section. Representatives from both organizations recently met with EHS Athletic Director Ross Ware to capture a photo in honor of this significant sponsorship.

"Vandalia Health is proud to support the communities our hospitals and workforce care for and live in," said Vandalia Health Chief Financial Officer Jeff Sandene.

"Youth sports provide well-being benefits that last well into adulthood. We're happy to be part of creating a modern and safe environment for the athletes, their families and the community," Vance Jackson, CEO of Davis Health System, said.

In 2020, the Elkins High School football team played every game on the road after historic Wimer Stadium was deemed unsafe for spectators.

The Elkins Middle School softball field and the Tigers Valley High School baseball field also were deemed unsafe for spectators by the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management in 2020.

Phase 1 of the EHS Stadium project was completed in the fall of 2021, when 2,000 bleacher seats and a press box were constructed at the new field, beside the high school.

In 2021, the Tigers hosted one home football game, against North Marion in October. A previously scheduled 2021 EHS home opener had to be moved to Grafton because EHS officials were still waiting on materials to arrive to finish the new stadium's construction.

Phase 2 of the EHS Stadium project included installing new artificial turf in the fall of 2022.

Phase 3 includes the construction of new concession stands, bathrooms and a field house.