Aging infrastructure at Barron Stadium could soon require a significant financial investment from the City of Rome, with school and city officials warning that the facility’s video board is nearing the end of its useful life and may need to be replaced at a cost of approximately $325,000.
During a recent General Administration Committee meeting, Rome City Schools Assistant Superintendent Dennis Drummond presented a financial overview of the city-owned stadium, reviewing rental revenues and operating expenses while outlining several capital projects that could impact future city budgets.
The most pressing concern, according to Drummond, is the stadium’s video board. Installed in August 2018 ahead of the high school football season, the 36-foot by 20-foot video board and integrated scoreboard originally cost $249,000 and was funded through the 2017 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).
“It’s nearing the end of its life,” Drummond told committee members.
Officials recently obtained a quote estimating that replacing or upgrading the video board would cost roughly $325,000, an increase of about $76,000 from the original installation cost. Drummond noted that the equipment operates continuously throughout the year, contributing to its wear and deterioration over time.
While Barron Stadium has several maintenance and infrastructure needs, Drummond identified the video board as the facility’s most immediate concern and urged city leaders to begin planning for the expense as they develop future budgets.
City Finance Director Toni Rhinehart noted that while the original video board was purchased using SPLOST funds, there are currently no remaining SPLOST dollars specifically designated for improvements at Barron Stadium, meaning a future replacement would likely require funding from another source.
Beyond the video board, Drummond said additional projects could be needed over the next several years, including improvements to the stadium’s press box, conversion of existing stadium lighting to more energy-efficient LED fixtures, and eventual replacement of the artificial turf playing surface.
The turf was installed in 2020 and remains under an eight-year warranty. Although replacement is not considered an immediate priority, officials said the surface could need to be replaced around 2030, creating another substantial future expense for the city.
