The City of Kingston is set to celebrate the completion of renovations at the Robert H. Dietz Memorial Stadium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 3. The event will include an open house, allowing the public to explore the upgraded facilities, including the grandstand, locker rooms, and other amenities.

The $22 million renovation project, which also encompassed improvements to the Andretta Pool complex, has transformed the stadium into a state-of-the-art sports venue. Mayor Steven T. Noble expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We look forward to another 100 years of this complex as being a valued asset to our community." According to the City of Kingston, the renovations include a new track surface, turf field, LED lighting, and a modern scoreboard with a large screen for broadcasting.

The ribbon-cutting will also mark the return of the Kingston Stockade Football Club to Dietz Stadium after two seasons at Marist University's Tenney Stadium. Club chairman Dennis Crowley noted the excitement among fans and players for returning to their home ground. The Stockade FC will host a friendly match against New Haven United FC on the same day as the open house, providing an opportunity to showcase the newly renovated facilities.

The renovations are expected to bring renewed energy to Uptown Kingston, benefiting local businesses and the community. The stadium improvements were funded through a combination of city funds and state grants, including $2.5 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative award as detailed by Engage Kingston.

The open house will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy food from the Hole in the Wall Donuts food truck and explore the enhanced stadium facilities. The event promises to be a celebration of community spirit and the revitalization of a beloved local landmark.

Chris Davis