Fred Biletnikoff, Erie School District officials break ground for renovations to Erie sports legend’s namesake field
Story and photos by Christopher Millette/City of Erie
At a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations to Biletnikoff Field on May 25, 2023, one of Erie’s greatest sports legends brought a message of gratitude and hope to make Erie’s youth proud.
“To have my name on this field,” said Erie native Fred Biletnikoff, 80, “to become part of this school and Erie sports history, it means a lot to me.”
Fred Biletnikoff speaks during a ceremony where officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. In the background is a rendering of the facility. Seated in the background is Daria Devlin, Erie School Board president.CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/CITY OF ERIE
Officials broke ground Thursday for renovations to the field, which is located just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School (now called Erie High School) in 1961 and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders where he was named the Super Bowl XI MVP in January 1977.
“We have to do something for these kids,” said Biletnikoff, addressing about 100 in attendance at the ceremony. “Something that they truly can be proud of. This is first-class.”
In attendance were Biletnikoff’s wife Angela Biletnikoff, Erie School District officials, state legislative representatives, friends of Biletnikoff, Tech Memorial School alumni, current Erie High School athletes and coaches, and many more.
Biletnikoff Field will include an eight-lane all-weather track, the addition of new artificial turf, a new concession stand, and stadium seating. Construction on Biletnikoff Field will begin immediately and is scheduled to be complete by November.
Officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. From left are: State Rep. Bob Merski, of Erie, D-2nd Dist.; Daria Devlin, Erie School Board President; state Rep. Pat Harkins, of Erie, D-1st Dist., Brian Polito, Erie School District superintendent; Fred Biletnikoff; state Sen. Dan Laughlin, of Millcreek, R-49th Dist., and Erie Mayor Joe Schember. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders.From left: Fred Biletnikoff and his wife Angela Biletnikoff present a check from the Biletnikoff Foundation for $11,600 to Erie School District Superintendent Brian Politio during a ceremony where officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Fred Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders.Fred Biletnikoff speaks during a ceremony where officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders. In the background is a rendering of the facility. Seated in the background is Daria Devlin, Erie School Board president.About 100 people were on hand as officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Fred Biletnikoff (not pictured), an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders.Erie Mayor Joe Schember, at left, and Fred Biletnikoff, at right, are shown after officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders.Erie Mayor Joe Schember, at left, gives one of his Mayor’s office pens to Fred Biletnikoff, at right, after officials broke ground, on May 25, 2023, for Biletnikoff Field just east of Erie High School. The $6 million Erie School District project will transform the field into a modern, multi-sport athletic facility named for Biletnikoff, an Erie native and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver who graduated from Tech Memorial High School and played for Florida State and the Oakland Raiders.
