Now Open: Home of the Rockets

Thank you to Jon Ransom (in black), HOTR, the Alumni, Superintendents, Board members and district staff (thanks Ron) past and present and to every one in our great community who con-tributed time and funds in supporting this project. This was a long journey that turned what was once a muddy grass field at Bay High’s stadium long-ago into a facility used for almost a thou-sand events last year!

The Home of the Rockets, a 4,000 square foot multifunctional building and fan plaza at the south end of Bay High Stadium opened officially last week – just in time for the season opener for Bay Rockets football on Friday, August 19.

The beautiful plaza contains home and visitor team rooms; coaches rooms; concession stand and storage area; spiritwear shop; fan plaza; restrooms; and additional storage and mechanical rooms.

The ribbon-cutting and opening of the Home of the Rockets represents a victory for the power of community. Despite a pandemic and without a large corporate sponsor, Home of the Rockets (HOTR) became a reality after a year of fundraising efforts led by Chairperson Jon Ransom, with the support of Jay Sharpnack, Bob Reed and the entire Bay Rockets Association.

Many of the supporters were on hand for the ribbon-cutting and heard words of thanks from Supt. Scot Prebles and Bay Soccer Coach Bobby Dougherty, who exclaimed that the addition to the Bay Memorial Stadium complex puts Bay High facilities on a par with any in the country.

Ransom remarked that  the community rallied together with hundreds of donations in all sizes, with the majority of the funds raised coming from local families, civic groups and small businesses, with special gratitude to Bay Village Kiwanis, Bay Alumni Foundation, and Bay Soccer Club.

In 12 months of fundraising, the Home of the Rockets campaign raised $1.6 million, with 75 per cent coming solely from private donations. There are no large corporate sponsors.

“This project is a triumph for our community and the spirit of One Rocket Nation,” Ransom said. “Thanks to this outpouring of generosity, our new facility will enhance the stadium experience for future Bay student-athletes and spectators for decades to come.”