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There was a lot of pride in Andalusia Municipal Stadium Friday night as the Bulldogs celebrated their 1,000th game and re-dedicated the renovated stadium.

Members of the 1958, 1976 and 1977 state championship teams will be honored at a pre-game reception and recognized on the field. Official re-dedication ceremonies celebrating the stadium renovation also occurred.

“This is a very special occasion in Andalusia. We are here tonight to rededicate Andalusia High School Stadium, to recognize all of those who made the renovation possible, and to celebrate Andalusia High School’s rich football tradition and 1,000th football game,” Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said. “The upgrades to this stadium began as a shared vision of what Andalusia could offer. We wanted a stadium that would make a great first impression when visitors came here, telegraphing to the world that Andalusia is a special place. We also wanted to be ready when the Alabama High School Athletic Association begins broadcasting games. I believe you will agree that we succeeded.”

Johnson recognized the public building authority, who raised more than $1 million in private funding for the stadium renovation project and the auditorium project.

Dr. Charles Eldridge, Steve Posey, Paula Sue Duebelt, Carolyn Graham and Donna Raines comprised that group.

Rep. Mike Jones also helped the city and school system secure funding for the projects.

Johnson gave a shout out to Andalusia City Schools Superintendent Ted Watson and the Andalusia Board of Education – Sammy Glover, David Bryant, Amy Dugger, Dr. David McCalman and Tommy Wright.

“Also on the field is Dr. Daniel Shakespeare, who had the task of keeping everything operating smoothly at Andalusia High School while these projects were ongoing,” Johnson said.

Johnson also recognized the Andalusia City Council – Will Sconiers, Hazel Griffin, Kennith Mount, Ralph Wells and Terry Powell – for developing a revenue source and securing a bond issue to complete the projects.

“Finally, I would like to thank the businesses and citizens of Andalusia, who have supported this project with their private contributions, and with their tax dollars,” Johnson said. “As this state-of-the-art stadium shows, Andalusia is a special place to be.”