Sharing memories of Barlow Stadium at War Memorial Field
—Courtesy photo Barlow Stadium will host its final home football game on Sept. 16, before the old wooden bleachers are torn down and a new stadium will be built.
—Courtesy photo The original stadium was constructed in 1951, and has gone through several changes over the years, including expanding the press boxes. This picture, circa 1960-70, shows how little has changed over the years.
Bee readers asked to send in their favorite memories of the iconic stadium
SANDPOINT — In 1950, legendary Sandpoint coach Cotton Barlow spearheaded an effort to collect $12,000 from the Booster Club and donations from the community, money that was used to build the wooden bleachers that presently sit at War Memorial Field.
With brand new materials from Pack River Lumber and tons of labor help from the community, one of the most memorable and iconic stadiums in the state of Idaho was finished in time for the start of the 1951 season. The likes of Leonard Plaster, Bill Bloxom and one Jerry Kramer were part of that first team, which went 9-1 in the brand new Inland Empire League to tie West Valley for the league title.
Sixty-five years and countless memories later, the wooden bleachers and press box are finally slated to be torn down and replaced, starting on Monday, Sept. 19. But there is one last game, against a school that has spent more time on the field than anyone but the Bulldogs, when Sandpoint hosts Bonners Ferry on Friday, Sept. 16 at venerable Barlow Stadium at War Memorial Field.
Leading up to the game, the Bee would like to celebrate a venue that the city of Sandpoint is known for, calling upon readers to send in their favorite game or memory at Barlow Stadium for publication. Bee sports editor Eric Plummer will share the first one:
My first introduction to Barlow Stadium was as a member of Lakes Junior High in Coeur d’Alene in 1986, when we traveled north to face Sandpoint, back when 9th graders were still in middle school.
Later for four years, I refereed in the North Idaho Officials Association, and always enjoyed the assignments in Sandpoint, at the field by the lake. After that, I coached football four years at Coeur d’Alene High School, and made another few memorable trips to the field by the lake.
The best game I’ve ever seen at Barlow Stadium was the semis of the 2006 4A state football tournament, when the Bulldogs lost 21-20 to Bishop Kelly, which at the time was considered not just the best team in Idaho, but arguably in the Northwest.
Led by future University of Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins, who threw 42 touchdowns against just five picks that season, the Knights won a thriller before a packed house at Barlow Stadium. The Bulldogs were in the lead late, when Hawkins made a perfect throw on fourth down for the winning touchdown.
But the best memory of Barlow Stadium? Easily last fall, when Jerry Kramer presented the high school with a gold NFL football. It was a special night, that few will forget anytime soon.
A lot of amazing athletes and teams have taken the field over the decades. So what’s your favorite memory of the past 65 years at Barlow Stadium?
Please share it by emailing “eplummer@bonnercountydailybee.com.” Any and all memories will be published in the Bee.
Originally had Colville, then Skyview out of Vancouver, and Bellevue, but then their sanctions came out, couldn’t play anyone out of conference or out of state.
It came about that hey, let’s lay. we got to talking that it would be really cool for both communities.
Will try to recognize everybody that has ever played on that field. Senior Night and Homecoming.
Game is Sept. 16.
Monday, Sept. 19, We play Friday, they have Jr. Tackle in there on Saturday, then it’s coming down on Monday.
“When he was here, Tom asked him, does it look the same. The first season, they didn’t have the top on it. Over time it has been build in phases.
Cotton was also the athletic director, scheduled both Bonners Ferry and Coeur d’Alene in the same day. They split the squads and won both games.