The Mervo stadium, which is already lighted, will join Poly's as a spot where all the city's schools will have a chance to host night games, allowing more parents and adults to attend.
Indeed, the Ravens estimate that the Lumsden-Scott Stadium at Poly has grossed more than $100,000 in the three seasons it has been opened since the renovation.
The Mervo renovation also does the city a serious solid, as the kids would say. The school's football field was closed for four years, while the city and contractors battled over construction costs. In the process, the team had to cross busy Hillen Road to practice, only to have to play 51 straight road games.
When the field was finally opened three years ago, it was still plagued by drainage issues, and in such bad shape that Cass said it was "inadequate and unsafe." That will all change once the construction, set to begin as early as next week, is completed.
The Ravens are understandably wary of being seen as the rich uncle for the city's high school athletics program, ready to write a check at the drop of a hat. All they want to do is extend the brand of football, one field and one uniform at a time.
"We're not the savior at all. We're just helping," Cass said. "We want to promote football. Whatever we can do to promote it, we'll do within reason. We're happy to help."
milton.kent@baltsun.com
