After Two Decades, Old Rochester Finally Builds Press Box

For the past 20 years, Old Rochester has been the only school on the SouthCoast without a press box on their athletic field.  It's been a long journey, but that is finally changing.

Back in 2016, the boosters for Old Rochester Regional High School athletics asked Athletic Director, Bill Tilden, what his number one wish would be for the school.  Without hesitation, Tilden said the school desperately needed a press box.

Justin Shay, who was a parent and a member of the booster club at the time, unwisely made a pledge to build Tilden a press box before he left his position.  Eight years later, that wish is finally coming to fruition, with a ground breaking that kicked off in September of last year.  "It looks like a small, college press box," Shay said with pride.

"We have spent close to $100,000 on a handicapped ramp/lift combination that will give access to the platform and the press box.  That's required by state law."

Who Paid For Old Rochester's Press Box?

The cost of the handicapped access to the press box was made possible thanks to a $100,000 gift from the Howard Stillman Bates Foundation.  The generous donation was made back in 2018.  The naming rights to the press box will be in the donor's name.

Peter Turowski and John Ferreira from T2 Architects did their work for the project pro-bono.  Susan Nilson and Jennifer Green from Foth Engineering also donated their time and talents, along with Wayne Tirrell of Northeast Coastal Contracting in Marion.  Mark Mulroooney of Bennett Builders in Rochester has done much of the site work for free.

The towns of Mattapoisett and Marion each donated $20,000 each through their CPA funds.  Rochester was also able to raise $20,000 for the project via donations.  ORCTV also donated a sum of money to help build the press box.

Why Did the Project Take So Long?

Among other financial issues, the project was tied up with a permitting issue for two years.  A former Mattapoisett building inspector wanted to see bathrooms in the project, however that would have cost much more than the budget allowed.

Shay says he's thrilled to see the near completion of the press box.  He is cautiously optimistic that they'll continue to have success with the project as they add the handicap access.