1980s:

Parma School Board considers several proposals to sell Byers Field.  Speculations are the Parmatown shopping center wants to demolish the facility to expand the mall.  Money from the sale would go to building a smaller stadium between Parma Senior High and State Road Park.  After it is apparent that the School Board will not get the price it wants for the stadium, the notion of selling Byers Field is dropped.

(LEFT: The Byers Field press box in 1991. RIGHT: The wood stands at Byers Field in 1991. Photos courtesy of the Radio and Television classes "Video Output" episodes.)

1991:

After almost thirty years of continuous use, Byers Field begins to fall on hard times and begins to deteriorate. For example, one bathroom's floor at the stadium has sunk three feet.

Superintendent Carl Hilling formed The Friends of Byers Field to coordinate future renovations of the stadium. In the beginning, there are nine members of the group. Planned is a new synthetic turf, all-weather track and concession facilities, as well as a new scoreboard, lighting and sound system.

(LEFT:  The Byers Field press box in 1991.  RIGHT: The wood stands at Byers Field in 1991.  Photos courtesy of the Radio and Television classes "Video Output" episodes.)

1992:

Phase I of the renovations begin at Byers Field. The north stands are removed marking the beginning of the renovations. In the summer of 1992, the stadium's lead-based paint is removed, and the concrete and metalwork are sandblasted and repainted. The stands are repaired so that no water leaks through to the locker rooms or bus garage. New wood planks are installed for seating.

The Friends of Byers Field Foundation continue to raise donations to fund the project. The Foundation was separate from the school district and solicited donations from businesses and through sales of soda in the Coca-Cola machines. Eaton Corporation, for example, donated $80,000 for a new power system. They took out notes which took them 10-12 years to pay off.

(LEFT: The new main gate entranceway is installed with brick paver stones. Bricks were sold with names of donors to help raise money for the field. The wall later had a plaque which was the wall of fame of donors. RIGHT: The new Byers Field surface is installed in 1993.)

1993:

Phase II of the renovations continue. The field is torn up, and a new drainage system is installed. Over the summer of 1993, the synthetic playing surface is installed. Additionally, the main gate entranceway is updated with brick pavers, brick wall, and ticket booth. A new concession stand is also installed in the southwest corner of the stadium. The three high school soccer teams, as well as football, begins to play in the renovated stadium in the fall. Parma is the first to play on the new turf but loses to Brunswick 34-15.

The facility went from hosting 15 football games per year to 200 plus events per year including football, soccer, track and field, band concerts, and other special events such as the U.S. Air Force Band. Byers has been an O.H.S.A.A. traditional site for football playoffs each year since the 1992 renovations.

1996:

During the summer of 1996, a new all-weather track is installed at the stadium. Additional improvements include the building of the "pop stand" on the eastern side of the stadium as well as an updated scoreboard. At this time, there are no future improvements planned for Byers Field.