Jasper Bulldog Stadium, established circa 1922, served as the
centerpiece for the town's athletic competitions, becoming ever
more popular over the years. By 1936, the bleachers were being
filled at every game and rivalries were heating up between the
teams that played one another year after year. The town had
quickly outgrown its stadium. Soon Jasper school officials and
community leaders turned to the New Works Progress
Administration (WPA) for help to improve the stadium.
The stadium saw two WPA renovation projects starting as early
as January 1936. The first project was notable for the addition of
stadium lights on poles surrounding the playing field. When the
project was completed, WPA officials and workers were invited
to join local dignitaries and fans to watch a night game. On
Tuesday, April 28,1936, the first night game was played in Bulldog
Stadium with the senior Bulldogs facing off against the
underclassmen "Pups."
Additional work began in 1940 under the direction of the
architect, W.C. Meador, and engineer, A.C. Stone work included
improved steel bleachers, a new playing field surface, ticket
booths and bus shelters. Additionally, W.C. Meador designed a
unique stone masonry wall in the shape of the Alamo as the
entrance to the stadium. In keeping with WPA guidelines to
preserve craftsmanship
and artistic design, his choice of a rustic
design inspired by the historic Alamo was perfect for a Texas high
school football stadium. Since 1941, its "Alamo" design has
captured the imagination of thousands of fans and players who
passed through its gates while attending athletic events.
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