sirg0rd on 8/9/2007 10:20:30 AM wrote:
It was forever ago when this 11 y/o sand-lot FB youth sat in the end zone and watched the Annual VPI-VMI game. Later, I played trumpet for the Lucy Addison HS Band and will never forget Friday Nights at Victory Stadium. Even before the 1950's, I 'd go there for the Stock Car Events. Victory Stadium is definitely a serious mamory for me. It was gathering place and so much happened there.
I'm 67 now. God Bless America.
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kdcalla on 3/12/2007 4:36:47 PM wrote:
my father-in-law, donald callahan, turned 79 yesterday and he shared his memories of victory stadium. his most cherished was the big vmi vs vpi game each thanksgiving; watching the cadets march from the train station to the stadium. every year his older brother, keith callahan (who was shot down and killed over africa in 1941) would buy team-colored ribbons at the five and dime and twist pieces of them together with pins. their father would make display-boards with shoulder straps, and they would peddle these ribbons in downtown to the fans as they walked to the stadium. they always sold-out!
i was originally confused by his dates, as the stadium wasn't built until 1942, but i can see from the pictures that the games were held before the structure was built.
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gasp4gh on 8/31/2006 8:50:37 AM wrote:
You're all right! What is done is done. The stadium is gone and theres just an empty lot. Now, they decide its time to do something about the water getting in. .too late Roanoke, you could've done that years ago. Yes, the restrooms where a mess, but who was suppose to keep them clean and in good working order. .THE CITY OF ROANOKE! Who let the stadium get in the shape it got into? THE CITY OF ROANOKE! Who drained away the money set aside to maintain the stadium and keep it up to par. .THE CITY OF ROANOKE!
Ok, let's start over, but can we do it right this time? Let's hope so for all our tax payers sake. If you're going to do it, just do it right this time.
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downtownbrn on 7/28/2006 7:00:37 PM wrote:
if you ever had the misfortune of going into one of bathrooms at the stadium it would have become a part of you like you wouldnt believe. the odor would pretty much ruin whatever you wore that day, rendering them to trash, and the dysentary would give you a vivid life long memory. you could have truly been a part of the "stadium" expirence. it would literally become a part of you in every sense of the word...brother...you have no idea. Some think the black death was making a comeback in its bowels before they finally brought "her" down.
thank your lucky stars that movie was your only contact with the place, even on the big screen it wasnt very safe.
christopher13brown@gmail.com
/available for decomtaminations/
join my campaign team
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13579116 on 7/28/2006 6:17:34 PM wrote:
I have never attended Jefferson or Fleming or any other school in Roanoke.I have never lived in Roanoke Virginia. I grew-up in a different part of of the United States. I traveled quite a bit outside the U.S. and have heard about Victory Stadium,Roanoke Virginia from some of the most humble people a glow on their faces, speaking with pride at the mere mention of that Stadium. I saw the movie Remember the Titans and there it was, big as life. Even though I was not an actual part of of the memories that made that stadium great, I will always feel in some sense of the word it is part of me.
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13579116 on 7/28/2006 5:27:58 PM wrote:
I have never attended Jefferson or Fleming or any other school in Roanoke.I have never lived in Roanoke Virginia. I grew-up in a different part of of the United States. I traveled quite a bit outside the U.S. and have heard about Victory Stadium,Roanoke Virginia from some of the most humble people a glow on their faces, speaking with pride at the mere mention of that Stadium. I saw the movie Remember the Titans and there it was, big as life. Even though I was not an actual part of of the memories that made that stadium great, I will always feel in some sense of the word it is part of me.
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ralph1937 on 7/27/2006 10:02:13 PM wrote:
Z
I am going to Roanoke in Sept. to vist my son. If I can find a brick I will share it with you. I may be able to find one in the river. :-)
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ziranthia on 7/27/2006 9:30:18 PM wrote:
All this talk about bricks. Proof enough for me that nothing is going on in Roanoke Virginia!
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old_curmudgeon on 7/26/2006 11:29:57 AM wrote:
Maybe Wildlacylady just has some anger management issues.
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transplantedknight on 7/26/2006 11:20:21 AM wrote:
"since us "County" folks were not allowed to have bricks,that all of us can ban together and make sure that anyone that we elect will not be one that will help the "City" in any way."
Does that help the Roanoke Valley? Are you really willing to tear down communication and help in our community over a brick? I know it is so hard to let go of something that has meant so much to so many people, but mean-spiritedness will never make things better.
I can only imagine what industries (Toyota for instance)think when they look at the Roanoke Valley and see such discord over bricks and debris. It's great to be passionate about our city/county but working as opposing teams will never create the area we all want for our families.
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buynandselln4u on 7/26/2006 7:40:17 AM wrote:
To all of you that did not get a brick from Victory Stadium, I have 50 of them up for bid on ebay. I have an eBay drop-off shop in Vinton (across from Food Lion on Rt. 24E). My consignor is a truck driver carrying away debris from the Victory Stadium site and he was given 50+ of the bricks and now he is offering them on eBay using my eBay business. If you want one you can find them under my name on eBay (BuyNandSellN4U) or you can call me at 890-2223 for more info. The local TV station did a segment on the 6pm news on 7/25 about the bricks and featured pictures of the bricks that I have. To learn more about me and what I do... check out my website at www.buynandselln4u.com Happy eBaying!!!
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Justafan on 7/25/2006 7:18:06 PM wrote:
To all the people who didn't get a BRICK. Who cares. I don't understand the fascination with a piece of baked clay. Remember the stadium for what it was and what you did and saw there. I had many great times there as a fan of many activities and a particpant in high school football games. Those are great memories and a brick would do nothing to enhance them. If you didn't get a stadium brick and you want a brick bad enough; in the early seventies, while wearing my Northside High School Letter jacket, one Saturday night I climbed and 8 foot chain link fence and got a brick from the American Theater as it was being torn down. I still have it. Any of you are welcome to it. Just don't mention a Stadium brick again.
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TripleActionJones on 7/25/2006 10:54:04 AM wrote:
It stinks that people who live outside of Roanoke city,but have history here, didn't get a chance to have a part of the stadium.
I agree,even though I'm pretty neutral about the whole Victory Stadium issue.
But hate a city and it's residents and be mean spirited - 'cause you didn't get a brick?
Yeah,that's the best thing to do.
With all the problems and hate in the world already,and life as difficult as it can be at times for everyone- wasting all your energy to direct hate towards such close neighbors just seems so petty and trivial.
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wildlacylady on 7/24/2006 11:39:04 PM wrote:
I do hope that since us "County" folks were not allowed to have bricks,that all of us can ban together and make sure that anyone that we elect will not be one that will help the "City" in any way. I have as many memeories there as most of the city folks do. I feel that this drove another wedge in between the city and county people. If I was in any type of government postion and the city needed help... You better know that my vote would be a big fat NO... Just like we were told when we wanted bricks. Seems that the money that the county school students paid to get into many years of football games should of helped out some how and given us a chance at a brick. Look at all the city folks that plain didn't give a damn or come out for a brick..
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tabu1948 on 7/21/2006 7:38:53 AM wrote:
I always remember the fair and the football games. We live out of town and when we come to Roanoke we drive by the stadium just for the memories. It will be missed.
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Moonchime on 7/19/2006 12:14:27 PM wrote:
I was greatly saddened to hear of the VS demolishment. I grew up in Roanoke and have wonderful memories of the times I went there.
My dad loved it when the demolition derby came to Victory Stadium. He piled all of the neighborhood children, along with us into our car to go watch. It is an awesome memory.
I used to go watch my boyfriend play football out on the field. He played for Jefferson High.
I remember the last time I was there. I was 16--and had just been given my engagement ring. As my now husband and I watched a football game being played, I was entranced at how the lights of Victory Stadium played off my ring. LOL.
Such fun and wonderful memories. At least they will live forever.~Moonchime, Las Vegas, NV
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faxqueen on 7/15/2006 10:10:35 PM wrote:
I have not been to Roanoke in years, but my memories of VS are good ones that span over alot of years. My dad was the band director for PHS and I was the mascot when I was 5 years old. In my Jr.High days I was in a city wide track meet there and when I attended PHS, again, I was part of the band and everything that goes with Friday night HS football. All events that took place there that I was a part of were good times.
To me it was a landmark. I don't know all the details that brought VS down, but it will be missed by some I'm sure.
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downtownbrn on 7/15/2006 3:50:05 PM wrote:
sorry ralph, it was just a barb made in fun, i wasnt trying to hurt your feelings. thicker skin may be in order if your going to hang with the big boys
christopher13brown
/available to be belittled/
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chandler on 7/15/2006 12:04:57 PM wrote:
Whatever happened to the Rogers case where the old lady was murdered. I have heard nothing from that for a very long time. It seemed like it should have been a case even cops as dumb as the ones in the Roanoke Valley should be able to solve.
Matbe you should get Barry Keesee the State Police Investigator on it and he might have someone he wants to frame for it.
Last I heard there was the old lady and her two sons and their wives and offsprings and one of them did it.
Can it be that hard to determine?
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ralph1937 on 7/15/2006 11:30:31 AM wrote:
Gasp
Good point. Sorry. It will not happen again.
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gasp4gh on 7/15/2006 9:45:21 AM wrote:
I am saddened by the dismantling of VS, but the memories will always be a part of who we are how we lived them. Many historic places of Roanoke's past are gone, but the memories are forever with us. VS meant a lot to many people over the years. Let's not use this site to 'belittle' one another and point fingers at each other. If you want to do that, get each others email addresses and do it that way.
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ralph1937 on 7/15/2006 9:37:50 AM wrote:
Downtown,
You had no call to make that remark. All you wanted to do was hurt my feelings.I know full well that you know better than to do dumb stuff like that. And as far as the caveman stuff goes who knows why you think that is funny. And about what you own. Most likely just a lack of manners. Have a good and not a crude day if you can.
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downtownbrn on 7/15/2006 4:32:04 AM wrote:
whow, sounds like zirathia has an admirer. geez ralph take it easy, what if ziranthia wasnt a lady, would you still be in love caveman? by the way, i own roanoke, its just a well kept secret to keep the rabble from beating down my door. the only thing good about the stadium was the fountain, and from what i understand its in good hands.....civilian hands.
christopher13brown@gmail.com
/available for weeding/
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ziranthia on 7/14/2006 1:51:25 PM wrote:
You are TOO funny Ralph! Have a good weekend.
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ralph1937 on 7/14/2006 1:24:09 PM wrote:
Ziranthia,
If you do not think they own Roanoke just ask 40 he will tell you. While I am thinking about it. I sure hope you are a lady because I think I am in love. :]
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ziranthia on 7/14/2006 12:42:45 PM wrote:
Come on now, Ralph. They "own" Roanoke? I don't know about all that, but I do know that the people of Roanoke have been lied to. Convinced to stay on that town, working a cookie-cutter job and pumping out babies left and right. More babies means more people to convince that Roanoke is paradise and every other place is rotten. Just keep the cycle going on forever. It's like the blind leading the sheep in circles.
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ralph1937 on 7/14/2006 12:17:25 PM wrote:
Ziranthia
They are not wasting their time in Roanoke, They own Roanoke. My son is one of them. :]
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ziranthia on 7/14/2006 5:55:25 AM wrote:
"some of them have more life experience and higher education than you.". Well, ya know something, if these people are all that and a bag of chips, they are wasting their time in Roanoke. I'm sure you're not, though.
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thepluckylife on 7/14/2006 12:19:23 AM wrote:
You NOVA snobs are wasting this space with your tedious drivel. Spare us your condescension. I’m over 40, and have lived in a couple of pretentious “progressive” college towns, as well as San Diego and Sacramento, and I prefer Roanoke. I've been a NFL season ticket holder, and have been to a dozen major league sporting venues, but that does not diminish my nostalgia for Victory Stadium.
If you think VS was a dump, and that anyone sad about its demise is a hick, then find another place to vent your snobbery. This board is for people who had fond memories of VS, and some of them have more life experience and higher education than you. And, even those who are not as “sophisticated” evidently have more class.
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ziranthia on 7/13/2006 9:41:42 PM wrote:
Downtown, the only half pipe I know of is at Wakefield Park
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TDWIGG on 7/13/2006 7:26:56 PM wrote:
FRIDAY NIGHT... PH & FLEMING what else needs to be said? I’ll tell you. Homecoming Fleming 1981. I just transferred from PH to Fleming Monday of that week.We are up 20 nothing at halftime. Yes we I’m a Colonel now. I’m in the Stands on PH’s side boasting in what I thought back then was leather shoes. Second half my own best friend Victor “Chick25” Caldwell ran three touchdowns and won the game 21-20…
Five years earlier I watch my Brother Robert mason run a 80 yard interception back on Fleming to become the first Sophomore to win MVP of the game………And what did I do???????? Live to tell the stories…Although the bricks are gone the memories will last forever…….Peace out Victory Staudium… T.D.Wiggles Class of 83
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downtownbrn on 7/13/2006 5:24:59 PM wrote:
ziranthia, speaking of landmarks being torn down, is the half-pipe I mentioned in/near centerville still standing? I would guess probably not, but im still curious. Any news
christopher13brown@gmail.com
e mails welcome
/available for lager and ale/
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TripleActionJones on 7/13/2006 8:51:12 AM wrote:
"so where is all the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth at its demise? "
Patrick Henry High School's being rebuilt though,and students will resume attending there soon.
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ziranthia on 7/12/2006 9:28:59 PM wrote:
Downtown, I go to Centerville all the time. Lake Ridge is in near Woodbridge and Dale City, near Manassas and Clifton
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old_curmudgeon on 7/12/2006 2:59:41 PM wrote:
Two Roanoke landmarks have been demolished this year: Victory Stadium and the old Patrick Henry High School. A lot more people spent a lot more time at the old Patrick Henry High School than at VS, so where is all the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth at its demise?
Just wondering...
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downtownbrn on 7/10/2006 9:33:25 PM wrote:
who'd of thought sickandtired was an older male. I would've bet,if i was a degenerate gambler, that it was a she. i cant say I ever heard of Lake Ridge, is there an actual lake and a ridge? I used to go to shows in centerville at the skate ramp back when I was kickin'it in DC,ever heard of it? Bad brains and gwar played their, as well as fugazi and a bunch of other killer bands, and I never saw one pig. Try that here and "goodnight Irene" NoVa just never appealed to me, to generic and big in size.
christopher13brown
i found oops but didnt get credit
foiled again
/available for drinks/
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ziranthia on 7/10/2006 9:08:14 PM wrote:
I give SickandTired a hard time, but only in fun. I'm not mean spirited, but it does provide a little amusement to banter with people. Some people take everything the wrong way, and fail to see any entertainment in debate. As far as I can remember, SickandTired is an older male, who says that he lived in NOVA at one point, and hates it. I like the area, and plan to stay here, in Lake Ridge. The main reason I like NOVA some much is because of its progressive environment and anti-appalachian/puritan/old indutrial mentality. I couldn't find that in Roanoke, where the basis of existance seems to revolve around family and church, and visionaries, or "movers and shakers" are invited to move and shake somewhere else.
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downtownbrn on 7/10/2006 6:11:16 PM wrote:
ziranthia; I lived in DC for 3 years. I tried my hardest to avoid northern VA, but I did have friends in Vienna who worked at the Wolf Trap and liked to have a good time now and again. The actors and players would stay at their house and i got a chance to meet those involved in some of that. I'm not bored as a rule. Theres plenty of cool things to do here, and people who share my progressive views, I do appreciate you taking my side against "sickandtired", I just bet ya he/she? never lived anywhere but roanoke. I also lived in Santa Cruz CA and Albuquerque NM. I'm 36 and have never seen something as basic as tearing down a useless stadium whose soul claim to fame is "high school football" be such a riveting issue. Kinda makes you wonder. Redskins,boooh,hiss!
christopher13brown@gmail.com
wrigley field demolishion,now that's a story.
/available for drinks/"sickandtired is buying
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ziranthia on 7/9/2006 1:38:38 PM wrote:
tehehehe, no wait...Bahahahahahahaha
I LOVE IT. I really do!
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ralph1937 on 7/9/2006 11:53:51 AM wrote:
Ziranthia
You say you left Roanoke in 1993 and never looked back? I also left many years ago and I look back every day on this board just like you do. I live in Scotia NY and like it very much but I do miss Roanoke. I return as often as I can to visit my children and grandkids. It is interesting that you hate Roanoke and and call her people nuts but yet here you are. What is wrong with this picture? Face it you are only 35 and do not know where you are much less where you have been. Be mad at me if you like but please stop your squawking.
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mary6673 on 7/9/2006 9:46:53 AM wrote:
i see more people are worried about the bricks than the memories they shared with family there. I lost my dad a little while back and we shared some great times there. he was a huge wrestling fan and some of the best wrestlers were there at one time. I remember i was 13 and flirting with boys back then for the first time, hot dogs, candy. While my dad was hollering his butt off at that wrestling and i laughing so hard at him. Wish i could have those days back again. I don't remember bath rooms or bricks just the love we shared back then and the good times we had. if he were here now he would be telling crazy stories of remember when this happened and that and we would be laughing so hard.
love you dad and miss you.
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earl_eakin on 7/9/2006 7:21:23 AM wrote:
HEY - ROANOKE IS ON CRAIGSLIST NOW!!!
http://roanoke.craigslist.org/
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Newt999 on 7/8/2006 11:26:26 PM wrote:
Regarding the brick give away and memory keeping...I remember Victory Stadium when she was full of glory and leaky bathrooms. For the last eternity, I've been force-fed stories in the local media regarding the Victory Troubles. Yet, being a Roanoke County resident, I can't take a souvineer until this coming Thursday evening if there are any bricks left. I feel, however, that I should have a golden Victory brick laid at my door for having to listen to the eternal bickering over the past eternity.
Now that Victory Stadium's fate is sealed, I sure hope that the wise powers find a way to save Countryside Golf Course as a golf course.
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earl_eakin on 7/8/2006 10:56:04 PM wrote:
When I heard about the four-brick giveaway to "cars" I figured there would be some people who showed up on foot, and I figured the bureaucrats in charge would send them packing with a stupid remark and no bricks. Typical Roanoke government in action. HELLO! It's a pile of freakin' OLD BRICKS - AKA ***TRASH*** - GIVE 'EM AWAY TO ANYONE WHO WANTS THEM - IT SAVES YOU MONEY TO HAVE PEOPLE TAKE THEM AWAY. And it doesn't discriminate against citizens without cars!!! Good God how stupid can you be?
And regarding the I-hope-this-doesn't-happen-to-the-star crowd, well, just keep goin' to the star every now and then and it will stick around. Use it or lose it. The reason why VS is gone is because you never went there!
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sickandtired on 7/8/2006 10:45:07 PM wrote:
If the Noke bores you, why do you troll on the message boards? Why do you care? You have everything.
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ziranthia on 7/8/2006 9:46:42 PM wrote:
Downtown Brown, it NEVER ends in that backward city. I moved to Northern Virginia in 1993 and have never looked back. This stadium debate has been in progress for how many years now? 8 or so? NOW, in 2006 the stadium is torn down. MAYBE in 8 or so MORE years, Roanoke will consider building those oversized track and football fields, so that, maybe 400 or 500 people can watch a high school football game on a Friday night. I'm 35 and have not seen a high school football game since my senior year at Northside, 18 years ago. No desire to. I've had Redskins season tickets for two years now, so watching children play ball means nothing to me. I'm past that. Take my advice. If the NOKE bores ya. move on, just like tens of thousands have.
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downtownbrn on 7/8/2006 4:51:41 PM wrote:
A new memory; being denied my bricks because I took the enviromentaly friendly root, I walked from my nearby home in old sw. Man, does it ever end in this backward city. I had ID to prove I was a citizen of Roanoke, what gives? How can these things continue to happen here, arbitrary enforcement of baseless and pointless rules. This is really going to far. i hope a message board goes up over this one, I'm gonna burn it up. I just knew I shoulda went over there friday night and did the right thing, and just took what was mine. Try and do something straight around here and ya end up getting the shaft so the suv set can get theirs. I'm truly upset over this one. this is an outrage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
christopher13brown
on the short end again
/ available for drinks/
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BOBJOANMIL on 7/7/2006 11:56:28 PM wrote:
MY MEMORIES OF VICTORY STADIUM ARE OF THE 11 RELAY FOR LIFE EVENTS I PARTICIPATED IN. THE YEARS WATCHING THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY WILL ALSO BE REMEMBERED.J.MILEY MIDDLEBURG,FL
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miller4obx on 7/6/2006 11:18:06 PM wrote:
Such good memories....sandlot football(cheerleading), cheerleading competitions, Breckinridge Jr High School football(cheerleading) and not to mention William Fleming High Football...as a WF Colonel class of '91(Cheerleader) and as a spectator.
She will be missed.
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fbcoach on 7/6/2006 10:14:47 AM wrote:
Added memories: Playing football at VMI when we played VPI in 1959 on Thanksgiving day and we won 37-12. John Mckenna was my head football coach. We went on to win the Southern Conference championship. There were over 20,000 fans there. The VPI Corps of Cadets waved good-bye to us as their Thanksgiving week-end started at half-time and ended on Sunday.Our Thanksgiving week-end started after the game and we had to be back at barracks in Lexington on Thanksgiving night before 12AM the next day. Being at Victory Stadium as a football player and high school coach will always be in my memories. I loved that stadium. John Cooke
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downtownbrn on 7/5/2006 11:51:30 PM wrote:
My memories of Victory Stadium consist of clogged toilets, pissing in a trough, and an overwhelming stench, both inside the 1942 gulag inspired bathrooms and out. I dont know which smelled worse, the john or the river. I worked high school football games over their selling grub and I tell you with all honesty, the place was a shithole, and that was 13 years ago! Thank God the city finally took action and tore that sucker down. I'm going to pick up my allotment of bricks saturday and incorporate them into a new firepit I'm building , they will be useful to me and my friends, unlike the stadium for the last,oh, 40 years! Ya'll be good now,ya hear. See ya at the brick giveaway.
christopher13brown@gmail.com
the new voice of roanoke
/available for drinks/
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fbcoach on 7/5/2006 10:14:27 AM wrote:
My memories of Victory Stadium playing football at VMI when we played VPI.Seeing 6000 Corps of VPI line the whole field. We only had 1200.Seeing Carrol Dale play. It was my home field when I was the head football coach at Roanoke Catholic. We played North Cross in a live tv game there(WDBJ). In 1994 we won over North Cross for the first time since 1979. We won the state championship there On November 19,1994.It was the first football state champioship in the 105 year history of Roanoke Catholic. I've was there as the home team and I was there as the visiting team(Franklin County). A sad time was when Our Celtics played there on Saturday and Lee Cook, a player from Pulaski County had died the night before from a game.What memories as a player and coach.JohnCooke
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tdavis86 on 7/4/2006 2:37:41 PM wrote:
How do I begin... victory stadium was like home for me. Where I played my championship football games for sandlot football with the Inner City Saints -vs- the Northwest Colts;
then I went on to jr high school,and played with the Ruffner Saints -vs- Addison Bulldogs and Breaknridge; finally on to high school with the William Fleming Colonels -vs- PH; and how could you forget the band at half time getting the crowd pumped up for the second half. To the interceptions, fumble recoveries, sacks, and even the drop pass I had or (thought I had) for a touchdown.whew!! what wonderful memories. Rest in peace VICTORY STADIUM.
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Brendak on 7/3/2006 10:05:50 PM wrote:
Dethroning a queen.
She was named for Victory.
She rose from the river. She stood watch under a dark sky lit by a brilliant Star.
She also loved the sunlight. She watched over the children as they played,
as they won, as they lost, and as they dreamed. The ground under her made holy by their tears, their sweat, and sometimes their blood.
The murky depth tried often to reclaim her, she always stood tall.
Her collected memories are now scattered to the wind by a wrecking ball.
My heart hurts at her injustice, but as with all things in life,
she too must pass into history. I toast her and vow that one day,
I shall bring my grandchildren and tell them
of the paradise that was here.
I will stand in a parking lot and hear the laughter of children,
the cheers of victory and the cries of defeat.
I will hold her majesty in my heart and in my mind.
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eduinc on 7/3/2006 1:56:44 PM wrote:
VS will always be a special place for me. I played both middle school (Addison)and high school (PH) football games in the stadium. There are not many feelings that can compare to what I felt as I ran out onto the field while being introduced over the loud speaker. As I write this email, I can recall almost every touchdown and almost every fumble. RIP old friend. RMason-PH class of 78.
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starcityvic on 7/3/2006 12:55:16 PM wrote:
How fitting that TNT(I think), replayed 'Remember the Titans' last night. At the end, if you remember, there was a sign on one of the bleacher stands that said 'Victory Stadium' but as the scene opened up, it did not say 'VS', if said 'Roanoke Stadium'.
I too have many memories of VS, being a gradute of Fleming, attending football games and homecoming there. Let's relish our memories there and look for a brighter future for this landmark that will help Roanoke move forward, if they WILL move forward.
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hcky11kev on 7/2/2006 11:56:52 AM wrote:
It's about time the City finally did something about this. It's such a shame to see a city not moving forward, which is why so many people, including myself, have left the area. That place was useless and they should have built that ampitheater across from the RCC like they had orginally planned, I mean they did spend a lot to clear the land, and for what?...Nothing. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction for the city. You can't move forward as a city if you hold onto everything from the past. This is 2006, not 1986.
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leigh79 on 7/2/2006 7:17:04 AM wrote:
What a sad time.. I really hope the "Mill Mountain Star" doesn't ever get in bad shape. Victory stadium is landmark and I know it would take alot of money to repair but it's hard to see changes made. I have alot of good memories there from a little girl my parents would take me there to watch the fireworks on 4th of July to high school days watching Patrick Henry football with my friends and then watching my children play football and cheer on that field. I drove by the first day it was being torn down and tears come to my eyes. Good-bye we will miss ya!!
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leigh79 on 7/2/2006 7:13:50 AM wrote:
What a sad time.. I really hope the "Mill Mountain Star" doesn't ever get in bad shape. Victory stadium is landmark and I know it would take alot of money to repair but it's hard to see changes made. I have alot of good memories there from a little girl my parents would take me there to watch the fireworks on 4th of July to high school days watching Patrick Henry football with my friends and then watching my children play football and cheer on that field. I drove by the first day it was being torn down and tears come to my eyes. Good-bye we will miss ya!!
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thepluckylife on 7/2/2006 4:34:06 AM wrote:
1973 Sandlot Peewee Championship, Williamson Road 27 Northwest 12. To this victorious eight-year-old player, Victory Stadium seemed like the LA Coliseum.
1981 Fleming Homecoming game, PH 21 Fleming 20. Fleming came into that game unbeaten, and led 20-0 at halftime. My girlfriend and I, PH and Fleming students respectively, agreed to sit in the east stands first half, west stands second half. That switch, of course, jinxed my poor Colonels.
1990 Fleming vs Halifax, in the last ballgame I attended with my dad, who died a month later.
1998 Fleming, led by Lee Suggs, vs EC Glass, my last game at Victory Stadium.
Rest in peace, Victory Stadium. You will will live on in our grateful memories.
~from Sacramento, CA~
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CaliDan on 7/1/2006 9:24:14 PM wrote:
Msg for Masuzi: Thanks for the post. It reminded me of watching Curtis in VS stock car races against Bobby and Billy Myers....great fun for a kid around 10. And for a short period, he lived only two houses down from mine, but I was too young to know how great a driver he was.
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CaliDan on 7/1/2006 8:56:42 PM wrote:
Three great memories immediately come to mind: watching Donnie Shilling of Jefferson throw a long TD pass to Tracey Callis to beat William Fleming in last few seconds of game around 1955; running a TD myself for Jefferson against Andrew Lewis in 1960; and proudly marching into Victory Stadium on Thanksgiving Day 1964 as Company Commander of Bravo Company, Virginia Military Institute.
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hockeymann1 on 7/1/2006 12:07:47 PM wrote:
My best memory was that I was about to successfully climb the fence to get into the
stadium for a VPI-VMI football game, when I
was 12 or 13(1951-52). Security caught me, but
a nice fan came up and gave me a good 40 yrd.
line seat. I had previously worked as a volun-
teer Boy Scout parking cars there. In those days, this was considered as a really big game
and VMI often gave VPI a hard time back then.
- SAM RONEY
Augusta, GA.
e-mail: samgroney@gmail.com
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1cacao1 on 7/1/2006 10:34:08 AM wrote:
For SEVERAL years (The same tactics are used by thieves to rob, via distractions, such as in stores...just ask any store manager or the police! We have been ROBBED of money and time! What a BAD,, crooked joke! I can't believe the pork-barrel politics that were used for YEARS as diversionary tactics to draw attention away from REAL issues; planning/funding to sway the HIGH crime-rate in Roanoke; other. How about school-boards' extensive budgets with soda and junk-food sales profits pocketed by...? The "crumbs" of concrete in the ecologically changed area, i.e., floodplane, are being whisked away. Anyhow, I remember marching with my high school band through downtown Roanoke to the VPI vs. VMS football Thanksgiving games. It was great fun!
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Jchandlerrke on 6/30/2006 3:12:47 PM wrote:
I live and work here in Roanoke, and have done so for the last 11yrs.. Within the last 3 yrs I have moved into the historic district of Old Southwest.. It's been my observation that the City of Roanoke has no concern or interest in it's history or past. Tear down and build new is their motto. Has anyone recently driven by the old Fishburn Mansion (Mountain View Estate) on 13th Street SW? Do yourself a favor and drive by, you'll be amazed by the lack of concern and maintenance on the City's behalf, and what makes it worse is the fact that this structure was left to the city by the original family. The only thing the city had to do was keep it up, and we see how well they do that don't we ?? Example- Victory Stadium... We'll miss you..
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mriley1120 on 6/29/2006 10:29:58 PM wrote:
I will always remember VS for football and great times with my PH friends. What a wonderful time. I live away from Roanoke, but it is always close to my heart. Thanks VS for great memories. It is sad to see you go. Class of '88.
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ziranthia on 6/29/2006 12:56:05 PM wrote:
This is a great day in the Star City. Roanoke has finally made a decision and executed it! There is a first time for everything. I'm proud that Victory Stadium is FINALLY being put to rest!
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gasp4gh on 6/29/2006 9:25:25 AM wrote:
WEll . .its almost finished, another landmark of the city will be history in a few more days. What's done is done. While walking in Wasena park with my wife and four greyhounds, we talk about the stadium and many of the 'other' historical sites that have been torn down rather than preserved. The question I have is, if the concern was about 'flooding', what's going to keep from flooding whatever replaces VS? Roanoke City Council needs to 'except the blame' for its lack of maintaining the stadium. (there, I said it) Why does the city continue to build parks and walkways, bike trails or place flowers to beautify things along the river? Everytime it floods, their hard work is washed away or destroyed. can we talk this through first?
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HarrisBlows on 6/28/2006 9:26:56 PM wrote:
Shameless indeed. How about His Dishoner, and his lap dog Vice? They shamelessly did their vile deed, and exploited voters. Quick, answer me this, Bruno Vega, formerly of Roanoke makes it big and wants to play an outdoor venue here, where does he play? Answer: Salem, is that why Roanoke College is in Salem? Maybe Salem can build the Roanoke Victory Memorial Ampitheatre, Roanoke sure seems incapable.
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BillMac on 6/28/2006 8:29:23 PM wrote:
Actually The Times really sucks butt. They push to get it torn down, then shamelessly exploit the end result with glee. Then the buttholes exploit further with mock sadness, and webcams, and this board. You whores at The Times. If I had to resort to prostituting principles and fairplay, much less any modicum of journalistic integrity they have left, to sell papers to a dwindling circulation group, I would have to quit. Of course they won't, they will prostitue themselves to the end. Let's move the wrecking ball to the Times building and press room that deserve to go down. I will provide the webcam, and commentary!
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CWHall on 6/27/2006 11:33:27 PM wrote:
During the early and mid-sixties I watched
the live wrestling show broadcast each Sat.
evening on WDBJ channel 7.It was hosted by
Hal Grant.Roanoke promoter Pete Apostolou
was the co-host.Each summer Mr.Apostolou
would talk about all the great wrestling
cards he was presenting at Victory Stadium
on Saturday nights.As a kid I always wanted
to come there to one of those events but I
never got the chance.
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lovenrv on 6/27/2006 8:03:37 PM wrote:
I must confess that I had a moment today as I saw the floodwaters begin to creep into and across Victory Stadium.
It seems the old girl was sending everyone in Roanoke a message that indeed the right choice was made on her behalf - [financially and otherwise] this will be her last flood. A fitting tribute.
Bon voyage!
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old_curmudgeon on 6/27/2006 4:01:43 PM wrote:
The periodic flooding. Oh, wait. That's not a memory. It's LIVE on the Victory Stadium Demolition Cam.
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starlandfan on 6/27/2006 9:37:50 AM wrote:
Rip Hawk, Johnny Weaver, George Becker, The Red Demons, Swede Hanson, Super Destroyer, Johnny Valentine, Homer O'Dell, Two Ton Harris, all the heros of my youth. Great times watching these great men at Victory Stadium.
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hampslade on 6/27/2006 8:44:59 AM wrote:
I remember one time my buddy T partied a little too hard (if you know what I mean) at the Dave Matthews Band concert and passed out on the field. God bless those emt workers. they got him going again just in time to catch the end of the show. we used to gett drunk sitting on the fountain when wee were in high school. ah memories...how can they rip them awaay from us? now I won't be able to show my grandchildren where we used to get lit! I wish the city had more respect for our family heritage.
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stsimons on 6/27/2006 8:27:02 AM wrote:
Clayton Moore, A.K.A. The Lone Ranger handing me one of his silver bullets, ... the VPI/VMI corps marching into the Stadium from the Patrick Henry on Thanksgiving ... seeing and hearing Otis Reading
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rkehokie on 6/26/2006 4:08:14 PM wrote:
VS holds a lot of memories; fireworks displays, soccer games, concerts, etc., but Roanoke is doing the right thing in giving these high school kids their own stadiums. The memories will be there whether the stadium is there or not. We will miss you VS. tg
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rambomax on 6/26/2006 11:49:40 AM wrote:
Another sad event in History since we need to
KEEP mementos of our PAST - for Future Generations to See and to be Remembered by !
Virginia/Roanoke History is more important to
it's Citizens than "spur of the moment" votes
rendered by New-Commer Council Members.
Jake Croft,Jefferson Hi graduate,(1939), UVA
(1940), USAF Pilot (1941-45), VPI Graduate.
(1949), and at 85 - am going to wear-out; not rust out." Yes Virginia, there are still
dedicated Virginians - who Love VIRGINIA" by
rambomax@aol.com
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lovenrv on 6/26/2006 9:33:52 AM wrote:
There's no denying, many in Roanoke + the NRV have fond memories V. Stadium. I have many. To bad the Times plays directly into the hype by dragging out the idea of mourning.
64 years ago it WAS grand - now it's an obsolete BUILDING.
Its use had greatly dwindled, flooding + crumbling hadn't. Our memories will never be demolished, that's what we need to CELEBRATE NOT MOURN.
What so many in Roanoke seem to ignore or forget is that new stadiums rising for area high schools will create NEW MEMORIES for NEW GENERATIONS. To keep wallowing in media driven self-pity is rather selfish. T hat you would stop future generations from having the chance to "Win the big game" at new facilities truly begs the question. Who's Roanoke do you want it to be?
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earl_eakin on 6/25/2006 9:52:40 PM wrote:
I remember the demo derbies and at one event there was a guy in a jet pack that flew around the stadium. Really loud. Really cool. I think I played sandlot football there a couple of times. But even kids don't care about playing in a stadium if it's not filled up with screaming fans. The big empty stadium was actually a bummer for me. It showed how many people were NOT there to see us play. I believe Roanokers voted years ago to tear down Victory Stadium - we voted with our feet and went somewhere else, we voted with our money and took it somewhere else, and we voted with our support, by not caring enough for the grand old lady by planning enough events there. Victory Stadium is a huge white elephant and has long outlived her prime. Goodbye. (If the city had any sense, they'd be selling souvenir bricks for five bucks a pop.)
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imissroa on 6/22/2006 1:37:01 PM wrote:
Dear old_curmudgeon,your screen name fits you well as you display an ill-tempered and resentful personality. Your little joke on a board full of happy memories shows your happiness in so many individuals' sadness. Go post elsewhere.Let the many generations of families who have pride in their city continue to share favorite memories. My parents, siblings and I have the most fond and happy memories of Victory Stadium. Is that your problem? Do you have no happy memories therefore you rejoice in the sadness of others? Misery loves company and you will find no company here. To those of you who have pride in your city, thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions. It is amazing that one place is so prominent in so many hearts!
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harstimj on 6/22/2006 10:14:10 AM wrote:
I'm very sad. I moved from Virginia in 1998 to attend college. Now that I am married, I wanted to bring my husband back to my hometown to view the fireworks this 4th of July. I had been planning this trip since January. Come to find out, I'll never get to share the memory of sitting in the soccer field, listening to music and watching the fireworks with my husband. I guess we won't make the trip...
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mightyboozer on 6/21/2006 9:36:01 AM wrote:
Getting to play in the stadium was truly a special thing for thousands of people over the years.
Instaed of demolition, the whole basebal/football/armories area should have been updated. The cost estimates I have read about are certainly misleading at best.Apparently, the powers that be have used whatever means necessay to get their way, regardless of what the peoples wishes may have been. The people I've talked to eventually just gave up caring about it.
Change is not always a good thing.
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chenritze on 6/21/2006 8:24:35 AM wrote:
My earliest memories of VS is when I went to watch VMI vs VPI....then when I was a cheerleader at Jefferson in the '60's. Very fond memories of those years as I was a cheerleader and my (to be husband) played football. It didn't end there...we always went to the the 4th of July celebration, arrving by 3:00 in the hot afternoon sun, to get the best seat.....right down front on the lawn. The music, the picnic, the crowds in the bleachers......the fireworks...something my entire family and host of friends enjoyed every year. I only wish my grandchildren would have had a chance to make those memories. Chenritze
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emw1028 on 6/20/2006 11:44:22 PM wrote:
Well, I guess my fondest memory of Victory Stadium is from a week ago when my parents and I snuck in one evening to get pictures of the fountain... See, the fountain is where my dad proposed to my mom, at a William Fleming and Patrick Henry game... my dad had a whole evening planned out, but my mom ended up having to take her sister to the PH game, so my dad proposed to her there. He said he couldn't have asked for anything better. So we took pictures in the exact spot :)
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acicrrg on 6/20/2006 10:59:26 PM wrote:
I left the Roanoke Valley in 1973 but VS & the new Jefferson Center have been the landmarks for me to see everytime I come home. I realize the condition of VS for a number of years has been on the decline and unfortunately repairs and updates have not been done. I understand the need to tear down and use the property for another purpose but with its history one can only hope that plans are in place to salvage bricks or other memories from VS for use in a memorial somewhere in the Valley.
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rightwing on 6/20/2006 7:32:45 PM wrote:
My favorite memory of VS is the Dave Matthews concert back in April of '98. It was cold and rainy, but the show was general admission and we were able to get up to about the second row! Great show - but it is time for the stadium to come down. It's old and needs far too much work to bring it back to life.
Roanoke needs to build a new facility that will attract more great music acts. We need a stadium that can accomidate big name acts - enough already with the lame country, overage 80's rock, etc shows.
Let the demo begin!
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old_curmudgeon on 6/20/2006 3:29:15 PM wrote:
Q: How many Roanokers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Four. One to change the bulb, three to sit around and talk about how great the old bulb was.
Victory stadium has outlived its usefulness. In its final years it was an underused, rotting heap. It was ALWAYS too big for high school football, and was rarely used for anything else.
Get over it. Please.
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fmcmilla on 6/20/2006 3:22:04 PM wrote:
My fondest memory of Victory Stadium was probably back in 1979, my senior year of high school and we would all travel from Pulaski County to watch the football games. We would have so much fun! I also remember one time when my father was having surgery at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and we would watch the games going on from the 14th floor. That was pretty neat too! I don't live in the Rke. but I think personally that Victory Stadium is such a HUGH landmark for everyone and in all the surroundings areas that it will be saddenly missed by all. I know I hate to see it go, not only because of my memories but the history alone is so overwhelming that I do hope that something useful will take it's place! F.McMillan Dublin, VA
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timofwm on 6/20/2006 1:33:45 PM wrote:
MANY happy memories-the VMI VPI Thanksgiving Day game-Couldn't wait til I was old enough to play; Coach 'Guts' showing us how to play 'championship 'guts' football'; Fourth of July celebrations-I loved the 1812 overature; Roanoke Catholic vs. Northcross (68-71); PH/CS/WF district games!! Very sorry to see Victory Stadium go. Hope it will be replaced by another 'Field of Dreams'.
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ricflairfan on 6/20/2006 9:35:42 AM wrote:
My fondest memory of Victory Stadium is attending 'rasslin events when I was a toddler with my Dad and Grandad. Wooooo...go slick Ric!
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sarahtrinkle on 6/20/2006 7:38:06 AM wrote:
I remember going to our PH football games in the 80's... the sound of the band playing..the announcers voice rumbling all through South Roanoke.. the banging of feet against the bleachers to "We are the champions". Victory isnt just brick and mortar- for many of us it brings back memories of childhood that are priceless. The beauty of Roanoke is her small town charm- the fact that generations have enjoyed the same places and events. Getting rid of Victory stops the generations of memories. I am sad to see her go..
Sarah Trinkle Caviness
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brotherob on 6/19/2006 10:42:41 PM wrote:
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ROANOKE AND THE VETERANS FOR SUCH A PLACE AS VICTORY STADIUM. JUST RECENTLY I LEARNED THAT VICTORY STADIUM WAS BUILD FOR THE VETERANS. MR. BROOKS INVITED ME GO TO A RALLY. I WAS SURPISED AT THE SMALL TURN OUT. THEY HAD GREAT SPEAKERS THEIR FROM D-DAY WARRIORS TO EX-MAYORS. THEY REALLY MADE ME FEEL AS THOUGH IT WAS MANY REASONS TO SAVE VICTORY STADIUM. I HAD ANOTHER GREAT EXPERIENCE AT VICTORY STADIUM,THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION. I HAD A AWESOME OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH LATE GREAT WILLARD BARBOUR. A NAVY VETERAN,BOXER,HUSBAND,FATHER,TRAINER AND MY FRIEND. TOO MUCH TO TELL SO I'LL A SAY GOODBYE
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cgarst on 6/19/2006 1:29:08 PM wrote:
PH football games and those nasty bathrooms where you just pee on the wall.
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gasp4gh on 6/17/2006 8:16:47 AM wrote:
It's sad to see yet another landmark go down. One after another they fall to remain only a memory. I, like many other young athletes, spent a lot of time on the field at VS on a Friday night and have many good memories of this once elegant stamp of pride and fashion in our city. What's next, Mill Mtn. Star? It's been here a long time too. How did VS get in the shape it did? How did 'the city' allow it to get in such poor shape, or is this a trend throughout the city? Yes, we have to move into the 21st century, but we can still hold on to our historical sites. The 'grand old lady' did her job and allowed our youth and others to enjoy many good times within her walls. Goodnight and farewell old friend.
C.A.
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imissroa on 6/15/2006 9:03:42 PM wrote:
I remember my childhood, junior high and high school entertainment taking place at VS. We played sandlot, SJJH and PH football there. When I was growing up, VS was the place for sports. It is a shame non-Rke natives want the stadium gone. If you had the amazing family memories there that many of us have, there wouldn't be the harsh words and comments that display a true lack of class. Let people reminisce about their childhoods. I cheered there for 13 years and watched older siblings play football and run track at VS. It is certainly one of the few Roanoke landmarks that still exist in that amazing city. For you VS supporters, I feel your emotion as we face the demolition of this landmark. VS haters, Roanoke will never be the same!
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peterschloss on 6/12/2006 11:44:45 PM wrote:
For most Roanokers, Victory Stadium conjures up memories of football: the VMI and VPI Corps marching to the stadium for their Thanksgiving Day games (or perhaps even the "Remember the Titans" game of 1971). For me, Victory Stadium will always remind me of my senior year at North Cross when we played arch-rival Roanoke Catholic under the lights in late 1977. Coach Jim Mascaro told us we would always remember the game the rest of our lives as it was the first and only time being a small private school we got to play at the Stadium. As a defensive lineman, I knocked down a pass that night and was also called for a late hit. My picture even made the paper that day. Almost 30 years later, I can still see the lights and hear the crowd.
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BillMac on 6/12/2006 12:30:37 AM wrote:
My fondest memory will be that Rev./Mayor Harris will forever be known as the man who killed Victory Stadium. A few of you kooks think that is positive, but for most folks, he is a Roanokes answer to John Kerry, flip-flop, then lie, then flip-flop again. Here's to your legacy Nelson, wear the mantle for the scarlet letter it is. By the way, since Darlene Burcham bought a Victory Stadium, and a H and C coffee sign charm Saturday, does this mean the H and C sign will not be maintained, and torn down in the future? Will Mayor Harris run for zoning inspector on saving the sign, only to change to tearing the sign down after he is elected? Only in Roanoke.
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Masuzi on 6/11/2006 5:38:59 PM wrote:
Best memories ever at Victory Stadium:
My Daddy Curtis Turner, Stock car driver,
soon to become Historic legendary Nascar Driver, racing there! Ah.h.h... the beauty of the race, the spirit of the conquest, the smell of the dirt, the sounds of the roaring
living engines! No holes barred racing! Anything goes! Jes git to th finish line first! Yep, Those were the days!
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BigDaddy69 on 6/10/2006 10:05:18 AM wrote:
The 1959 NFL exibition game between the world champion Baltimore Colts and Pittsburg Steelers, Johnny U, Lenny Moore, George Preas, Ray Berry, Big Daddy Lipscome, etc. The VMI-VPI games, parades and fall out shelter exibits at the Armory. All those wonderful Jefferson HS games, the state championship game "remember the titans" used that game for the movie. But its time for that place of memories to fall. You can't repair years of neglect. For us older persons, it'll be a place of special memories, for those younger people who have no idea about Victory Stadium and will be glad to see it go, its unfortunate you'll never have the memories that we have.
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RolandD06 on 6/9/2006 11:36:31 AM wrote:
Well, my father told me a long time ago that his father brought him to ictory Stadium to see Johnny Unitas. That must have been something.
As for myself, I'll remember playing in the little league football championship. The Raleigh Court Lions vs. The Inner City Falcons. Very close game, we lost however.
I'll remember the nostalgia bands coming through; Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Band, Survivor, Marshall Tucker.
But, mostly I'll remember the only touchdown I ever scored in 10 odd years of playing football.
I was playing for James Madison Junior High School. Our opponent was Stonewall Jackson Junior High. I was playing cornerback on defense and the opposing quarterback made a two-step drop and winged it out to the receiver in front of me on a hitch route.
The pass was errant and about three yards behind the guy. I scooped it up and ran it in. Lucky guy.
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sickandtired on 6/9/2006 8:22:21 AM wrote:
What is the address for your blog?
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ziranthia on 6/8/2006 10:29:26 PM wrote:
Thanks for the info, SickandTired. I plan to visit the Star City and cam the event. I have generated some interest with my blog. Watch for it on YouTube in a few weeks!
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Blazin1M on 6/8/2006 9:11:55 PM wrote:
My earliest memories started with my Dad gave me tickets to Orange Bowl Football Game in early teens and I got to go by myself, although I went many times before that with my Parents, that was the best times, with no Parents. Then I would go in High School to Fleming football games and mostly to "chase the boys", my Mom said. LOL Every year I would go for Fireworks and Festival in the Park concerts. What fun we had!
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sickandtired on 6/8/2006 8:07:27 PM wrote:
WDBJ reports that demolition will begin during the week of June 19.
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Justafan on 6/8/2006 9:53:37 AM wrote:
A lot of great memories of the stadium. The Harvest Bowl game in the mid 60's between Va Tech and Wake Forest with Brian Piccolo at halfback. My granddad taking me to see Haystacks Calhoun and Johnny Weaver wrestle Aldo Bogni and Bronko Lubich with their manager Homer O'Dell. Demolition Derbies during the 60's at the old Roanoke Fair. A friend of mine's Dad packing 4 or 5 neighorhood kids into his '54 Chevy on a Friday night, stopping at the peanut store on Jefferson for a couple of pounds in the shell and heading to the stadium to see whoever was going to play. Playing football in the early 70's against PH, WF and Jefferson (it was a lousy place to play then). A lot of great memories, but it's time has come to an end.
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ziranthia on 6/8/2006 6:24:26 AM wrote:
Good point about NIMBYs. They CAN ruin it, and they WILL ruin it. Look at I73, Keagy Village, and the Amphitheater on Orange Ave. I'm amazed Slate Hill ever got off the ground. The NIMBYs attempted to halt that project as well, but failed. Think companies like Toyota don't look at public debates? I bet they do, which is why they won't build a plant anywhere near Roanoke. That way, they don't have to deal with NIMBYs.
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steelydan on 6/7/2006 10:20:24 PM wrote:
That's why each city school needs its own stadium. Take pride in it. Give the students something to be proud of, not an outdated crumbling old stadium. Too bad the NIMBY citizens will ruin THAT too.
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slj1010 on 6/7/2006 7:19:15 PM wrote:
I played football for William Fleming High School from 1966-1968 and all our home games were played at the stadium. At that time Friday night football was a big event for the area high schools. The names of the starters for both teams were announced as players ran out onto the field and then the national anthem was played. With the stands full of family, friends and peers if it didn't put a lump in your throat you should've checked your pulse. This is my fondest memory of Victory Stadium.
slj1010
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ziranthia on 6/7/2006 1:18:37 PM wrote:
"My favorite memory will happen in a couple of weeks from now." Is that when de-construction begins? I ask because I don't live in Roanoke and don't keep up with minute to minute news. If so, I would like to make a trip to Roanoke to witness it firsthand. I grew up in Roanoke, and even years ago, felt VS was an eyesoar that needed to be removed. I think the upset spectators would be entertainment value all in itself. Maybe do a little teasin'. LOL! I know how Roanokers go wild over this stuff. I heard about that guy getting arrested for making threats in the city council meeting. LOL! Not the best course of action. But I do hope to come to Roanoke to watch the drama and tears. I've waited a long time to see this!
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steelydan on 6/6/2006 8:23:04 PM wrote:
My favorite memory will happen in a couple of weeks from now.
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Newt999 on 6/6/2006 7:12:48 PM wrote:
Several fine moments: VT/VMI football, sandlot football in the 60's, Roanoke Buckskins in the 70's, Dave Matthews in the 90's, and fireworks from the 7th floor of Roanoke Memorial after a near heart attack in the 00's.
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Starcityflyer on 6/6/2006 6:42:28 PM wrote:
My grandmother's house was on the corner of Rosiland & McClannahan where the new Cardiology Asso. was just built. Our property went right up to the underpass at the railroad tracks. I remember as a child seeing the glow of the lights and hearing the roar and cheering crowds filling the hot summber nights. As a child one had imaginations of the great fun and good times people must be having as we were tucked away in bed. Most recently, I'll never forget the 4th of July celebration with the late, great Mayor, Noel C. Taylor walking through the crowds greeting people and shaking hands. I came to know and respect him for the great public servant of a man that he was. If God could only bless us with this kind of leadership in the future!
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CSKnight78 on 6/6/2006 6:07:21 PM wrote:
I have such fun memories of watching Cave Spring's football team walk over Patrick Henry. Bace then, the fight was with PH and CS, Hidden Valley was far from even thought of. You know... it was nice then that the main "disaggrements" in the Roanoke Schools were the ones that were on the football fields.. WOW.. take me back to them good ole days!!!! God Bless the class of 2006 from all Roanoke Schools.. I hope that your first year out of high school is calmer than the last in high school was....
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KATHYPETERS on 6/6/2006 3:25:29 PM wrote:
Those glorious Thanksgiving Day football games between VMI and VPI. The boys marching down Jefferson Street from the train station and everyone dressed up to the T. The ladies all wore suits and had big pom pom coursages of huge yellow chrysanthimums with streamers flying in the breeze with colors of your favorite team. It was a big deal and we all had a great time. It was always a classic game with all the ROTC squads at the game cheering on their respective teams. I'll always remember going to those games with my family as a little girl.
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RoanokeNative1 on 6/6/2006 3:16:53 PM wrote:
That would have to be the Dave Matthews concert in '98.... It rained like heck, but was a highlight for Roanoke! Roanoke needs to get in the game and destroy has-beens like this stadium in order to keep it's young people in the valley...
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CoolJCPA on 6/6/2006 3:04:12 PM wrote:
I must say it would have to be the memories of the races there back in the early 90s. What a perfect match, the old stadium and Whitey Taylor. Maybe Darlene should get Whitey Taylor to start working as economic development director to market the new fields they will have there. I can see it now, cameros, Pabst Blue Ribbon, mullets, and fat women yelling at their kids to stop throwing rocks at each other. That is exactly what I want to see in Roanoke! Progress is overrated.
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RWimmer on 6/6/2006 12:47:02 PM wrote:
I remember back in the early 60's being at the stadium with my parents for the Fair. The Stoney Roberts Thrill Show put on a high speed precision driving exhibition followed by car rollovers, slide for life and car jump over a school bus. It was the coolest thing I'd ever seen and one of the unbelievable parts was that Stoney Roberts did his precision driving with only one arm. He had lost an arm somewhere along the way I guess.
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reidstreet on 6/6/2006 11:36:52 AM wrote:
I remember a night in 1978 when with a little over 2 minutes left in a Fleming vs PH game,Ph was leading 6 to 0. PH had the ball and were driving to the Fleming 40 yard line. It was fourth down an about 2 yards to go for the first down. The PH quarterback dropped back and threw the ball right into the linebackers hands. The linebacker ran 73 yards and was knocked out-of-bounds on the 3 yard line. Fleming went on to score a touchdown on the next couple of plays and kicked the extra point to win the game. It was the first time Fleming had beat PH in years.
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bkreamer on 6/6/2006 9:02:08 AM wrote:
My best memories were two:
1. Playing in the Jefferson High School band during football games at the stadium.
2. Being in a science fair during the 1950's. It was held at the stadium in April, and was it ever cold that year!
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CockyVTFans on 6/6/2006 6:40:33 AM wrote:
When it gets tore down.
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Pamela on 6/5/2006 7:44:23 PM wrote:
hey I saw Herman's Hermits there too..and the footbal games from PHHS...nice memories.
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markermeg on 6/5/2006 6:40:55 AM wrote:
My fondest memory of Victory Stadium has to be the occasion of my very first "rock" concert - Herman's Hermits - spring of '64 or '65. It poured down the rain and the concert had to be cancelled - but it was held the next night!!!!! WONDERFUL!!!!!
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old_curmudgeon on 6/1/2006 4:40:24 PM wrote:
No good memories of Victory Stadium, eh? Me neither.
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