Bristol Municipal Stadium, affectionately known as Stone Castle, has been honored with the Citywide Historic Preservation Award by the City of Bristol, Tennessee. This recognition highlights the enduring significance of the iconic landmark and the school district’s commitment to preserving it for future generations.
In the citywide category, the award committee seeks to honor sites that embody the spirit of historic preservation, recognizing that many treasures exist beyond traditional historic districts. Stone Castle was selected for its unmatched visibility, cultural significance, and deep-rooted connection to Bristol’s citizens.
Construction of Stone Castle began in 1934, a product of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), providing critical jobs during the Great Depression. Stone from nearby Beaver Creek, excavated as part of a flood control project, served as the primary building material. The stadium hosted its first football game between Tennessee High and Science Hill in October 1936.
Today, Stone Castle retains its medieval fortress appearance, with 20-foot stone walls, corner turrets, and Gothic-style architecture. It remains a beloved community gathering place and the official home of the Tennessee High Vikings, hosting football games, graduations, music festivals, and countless other events for nearly 90 years.
Over the decades, the stadium has undergone numerous renovations to preserve its integrity while enhancing the visitor experience. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Key improvements include a $500,000 investment in 1986 to reinforce the stone structure, the installation of artificial turf in 2014, and the addition of a fieldhouse and jumbotron in later years.
Most recently, a $3.6 million renovation project was completed, jointly funded by the school district and city. This project included upgrades to visitor-side bleachers, ADA-compliant walkways and seating, and improvements to concession stands and the press box—ensuring Stone Castle remains welcoming and accessible to all.
"Stone Castle has always been a special place for our community, and these recent upgrades ensure that everyone who visits feels welcomed and valued," said Director of Schools Annette Tudor. "There is now truly a place for everyone—with comfortable seating, accessible areas, and improved amenities for both our home fans and visitors. It’s important to us that every guest has the same experience and is treated with the respect they deserve when they walk into this iconic stadium."
According to Curt Rutherford, chief facilities and maintenance officer, preservation experts were consulted throughout the recent upgrades to maintain the stadium’s historic integrity while modernizing facilities. He called it an honor to help steward Stone Castle for the next generation.
The stadium’s unique atmosphere is something that can only be experienced firsthand. As longtime Viking and current BTCS school board member Jim Butcher describes, entering the stadium can give you chills—feeling the "essence" or "ghost of this castle." Having served as a student-athlete, teacher, coach, principal, and now board member, Coach Butcher has witnessed the spirit of Stone Castle through every chapter of his life.
This award honors Stone Castle not only as a historic landmark but as a living symbol of community pride, resilience, and tradition—preserved for generations to come.
L to R: Curt Rutherford and Rebecca House with BTCS accept the award from Debra Kennedy of the Bristol Tennessee Historic Preservation Committee.