Since its construction in 1934, the Stone Castle has been an essential landmark to Tennessee High and the City of Bristol. With its recent earning of a Historic Preservation Award, the castle continues to cement its legacy as more than just a stadium.
The award, granted by the Bristol Tennessee Historic Preservation Committee, has been presented to landmarks with incredible endurance in past years. This year, the Stone Castle was chosen to receive this award, with both the committee and students at THS agreeing on the castle’s significance.
Junior Aiden Davis, for instance, recognizes that the Stone Castle is perhaps greater than simply a fitting representation of THS.
“I think the Stone Castle represents more than just the high school,” Davis said. “It’s sort of a representation of Bristol as a whole.”
For Davis, however, it’s not just about how influential the Stone Castle is to Bristol, as he also shares his thoughts on the connections between the castle and the rest of THS.
“I think the Stone Castle and the school go together perfectly,” Davis said. “Everything’s beautifully tied together and the themes we have here are definitely heightened by the Stone Castle’s presence.”
Freshman Soccer player Vivienne Murphy, who gets to play in the castle for the first time this year, recognizes the energy that flows throughout the castle.
“Its definitely a fun time,” Murphy said. “The castle gets everyone filled with excitement.”
Dylan Armitage-Shortt, a sophomore and frequent attendant at football games, sees the importance in maintaining the Stone Castle’s health.
“They need to preserve it the best they can.” Armitage-Shortt said. “It is an epic piece of architecture.”
When it comes to a monumental structure such as the Stone Castle, the emotions and feelings experienced within it can be dramatic, as made clear by junior Robert Gabbard, who performs The Star-Spangled Banner in the castle as a member of the Madrigals.
“I feel like I’m back in the stone ages when I sing in the castle,” Gabbard said. “I can definitely feel the history within [it].”
Freshman Volleyballer Crew Nelson also mentioned her excitement toward the Stone Castle, highlighting her experiences within the castle as “like no other.”
“I love when the Vikings play at the castle,” Nelson said. “There’s no experience like it.”
Recently, the castle has experienced a few significant renovations, particularly upgrades to the visitor bleachers and concessions. Several students, however, appreciate the castle’s aged, untouched nature opposed to modernizations.
“I love our stadium the way it is,” junior Aiden Burton said. “You can tell the amount of history that has happened there, and I hope it stays that way.”
Due to the incredible legacy created by the Stone Castle, further enhanced by the Historic Preservation Award, the pressure seems stronger than ever for the Vikings when it comes to defending the castle’s honor, especially for the football and soccer teams playing at home.
“I definitely think the stakes are higher.” Junior Aiden Burton said. “ You know, playing in such a historical stadium really elevates everything the school represents.”
