A routine inspection of the UTM ROTC Building, which includes visitors’ seating on the east side of Hardy M. Graham Stadium, identified structural and safety issues that are under review. As a precautionary measure, university officials are closing the building and visitors seating until more detailed inspections are made and the issues are resolved.
“Our first concern is safety, both for spectators and ROTC Building users,” said Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor. “We look forward to correcting these problems and resuming use of an important university building.”
The building opened in 1987 and is home to the university’s ROTC Program and houses the indoor range for the Skyhawk rifle team. The technical evaluation of the building was completed by TLM Associates, of Jackson, and KSi Structural Engineering, of Nashville. Relocation plans are underway for ROTC classrooms and offices and the Skyhawk rifle team.
The Skyhawks’ season-opening football game with Northwestern State on Aug. 29 will be played in Graham Stadium, along with the remainder of the UTM home football schedule. The visitors’ side of Graham Stadium includes seating for 1,200 persons, while the press box side of the stadium seats approximately 3,000. Game parking and access to Graham Stadium will not be affected, but visitors-side concessions and restrooms will be closed until further notice.
