[Harlan County Bears]

A new era will begin Friday when the much anticipated Coal Miners Memorial Stadium opens with two of the top football programs in eastern Kentucky meeting as Harlan County plays host to Bell County.

Harlan County Schools Supt. Mike Howard announced Monday morning in an e-mail to Harlan Count School District employees that the Bell County game would be played at the new field on the campus of Harlan County High School.

“We are proud to announce we will be playing Bell County at Harlan County Coal Miners Memorial Stadium,” said Howard. “We certainly understand the excitement in the community about the field. This is a big game for our program and we hope the community turns out to support us on Friday.”

Harlan County High School Principal Bob Howard announced the decision to HCHS students over the public address system a few minutes later.

“I think this will bring another dimension to our program here,” Bob Howard said. “It comes at a great time because we have the possibility of having five straight games on the new field.”

Harlan County clinched the District 8 title of 5A with a 55-20 win Friday at Perry Central, meaning the Bears have the homefield advantage through the Region 4 playoffs. Harlan County would also host the state semifinal game on Thanksgiving weekend against the winner of Region 3 if the Bears can capture the Region 4 title.

“We’re in planning to make sure we’re ready Friday with ticket sales, parking, where to dress teams. We have a full week of work ahead of us. We just ask everybody to be patient with us. We have a lot to cover,” said the HCHS principal.

Howard said maintenance of the field will be a priority, noting that fans and parents won’t be allowed on the field before or after games.

“There will be field passes and certain areas have to be secure,” Bob Howard said. “I don’t think parking will be a problem. We have a lot more parking space than we do at Cawood High School. We’re real proud to have a rival like Bell County coming in for the game. I also believe WYMT is covering the game to give us regional exposure.”

Bob Howard said Coal Miners Memorial Stadium and Needham Saylor Field were the final pieces of a five-year project to make Harlan County High School one of the finest schools and campuses in Kentucky.

“It opens up a whole new dimension for this school,” he said. “Now we can utilize the field and track surface for daily activities and school activities with clubs and groups. We have it all here now. This was the last piece of the puzzle, and I’m glad I was here to see it. I’m real excited for the students and people of Harlan County.”

Senior Night activities will be held prior to the game.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

The official ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening will be held later.

Click HERE to view a number of recent photos.