Wall Repair Begins at Todd Field

The repair has finally begun for the wall on the northeast corner of Todd Field where a motorist crashed through in the early spring. Crews from Wagner Construction are securing the corner of the wall ahead of the start of the football season on the 22nd. Besides the safety factor of the open space, a larger concern is trouble finding the authentic limestone flagstone to construct a patch in the historic wall. The original Works Progress Administration project took place in 1937 and the millions of stones required to ring the field were readily available throughout the upper midwest and were often used in walls and landscaping work. The rocks are pourous, however and damage thru erosion and pressure from ground water are often the reason for replacement by concrete pavers and newer products that have more structural conformity. The historic walls of Todd Field have been patched in the past, but several areas still remain compromised due to breeches that expose the integrity of the remaining structure to more weather damage. On the east end of the stadium, the fenceline that rings the wall is also dependent upon a solid footing and several poles were bent from the impact of the car crash. We asked the crew on hand whether that fence had the anchor strength necessary and was told any further repair would need careful consideration as each part is dependent on those further down the line and each change brings new issues to the aging structure.