New Bleachers Transform Gym, Boost School Spirit
Out with the old, in with the new is a fitting phrase for the recent installation of new bleachers in the gymnasium in the Armory.
When Girard College students returned from winter break this week, they got their first look at a major upgrade to the bleachers in the gymnasium. The installation of two new sets of bleachers was completed by Degler-Whiting company on December 30.
At a recent basketball game in the Armory, Girard senior Khadija Sesay was pleased with how the new bleachers looked.
“I think the bleachers add a nice finishing touch to the Armory,” Sesay said. “Students feel excited because the old bleachers were dull and bland, and a new pop of color adds excitement.”
She noted how the garnet colors on the gym walls and floor match the colors on the bleachers. “It’s aesthetically pleasing,” Sesay added.
According to Guy Moore, Director of Athletics at Girard, the bleacher project was a priority for the school for health and safety reasons.
Moore said the bleachers had to be pulled out manually by Girard staff, and food and debris often would get stuck underneath the bleachers.
“Pulling the bleachers out that way was a big struggle for our maintenance and facilities crews,” Moore said. “Climbing under the bleachers to clean was difficult for the housekeeping crew.”
He noted that the new bleachers have a closed decking design, so food or beverages won’t fall underneath.
Upgrading the bleachers also gave the school the opportunity to enhance school pride with Girard and Cavs being inscribed on them.
“I thought we had an opportunity to make something special and give our school an identity,” Moore said. “We’re also going to have designated student and cheerleader sections on the bleachers.”
Both sides of the bleachers operate electrically and can be adjusted, depending on how much seating is needed, he explained.
Moore said the new bleachers are wider and increase the seating capacity on the bleachers to up to 700 people.
Girard senior Randi Walls had a positive first impression of the new branding on the bleachers.
“I think it’s pretty cool and a great representation of Girard sports,” Walls said. “The branding encourages school pride a lot and gives more energy to Girard athletics.”
“The new bleachers highlight our commitment to providing a safe and engaging environment for our scholars,” said David Hardy, President of Girard College. “We’re grateful to Charles Gibbs, Chairman of the Girard College Committee, and the Board of Directors of City Trusts for their support in funding this project. This investment will enhance school pride and create a welcoming space where our school community can come together to celebrate Girard athletics.”
