By JAMES COOK
jcook@record-eagle.com
August 28, 2008 12:00 am TRAVERSE CITY -- Today will mark a rarity in Traverse City football history, but the initial use of Thirlby's bathrooms won't be it. For only the second time, Traverse City Central and West will play a doubleheader on Thirlby Field. West plays powerhouse Hudsonville at 4:30 p.m., while Central tackles Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central at 7:30 p.m. The upgrades being done to Thirlby won't be done in time for the games, however. TC Central athletic director Cody Inglis said the improvements won't be open to the public because inspections haven't been conducted. Some work on the addition of concession stands, restrooms and locker rooms has yet to be finished as well. "We're hopeful it can be done by next week," said Trojan Boosters president John Sonnemann. "They are working around the clock," TC West athletic director Patti Tibaldi said. Inglis said the sideline areas where players stand will be temporarily covered by mats today to cover up area where crews tore up the grass to put in new water pipes. Construction crews had covered up the water lines with crushed gravel. Thirlby will have the typical trailers for concessions and port-a-johns for patrons for today's games, plus a booth to answer questions about the construction. Parking is available in the 13th Street lot, with proceeds going to help fund the football stadium's completion. One ticket will get fans into Thirlby for both games -- aside from the reserved sections, which will be cleared out between contests. "We hope people stick around and catch two great high school football games," Sonnemann said. The press box suite is being used to tape both games for possible replay on the MHSAA's new TV network.
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Photos
Construction workers are still working on finishing additions to Thirlby Field. Record-Eagle