The lights are on at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, and soon the stands will once again be packed. This weekend, Blount and Vigor high schools meet for the Battle of Prichard, and in the weeks ahead Ladd will host two major HBCU football events. But as thousands of fans prepare to fill the stands, a question lingers: where does the stadium stand on the renovations promised when ownership changed hands?
The 2022 agreement
Three years ago, the City of Mobile agreed to sell the stadium to the Mobile County Public School System for one dollar. Part of that agreement called for up to $10 million in improvements and maintenance over three years. The plan also allowed the stadium to eventually close for 18 months while major renovation work was completed, but the deadline for that has passed.
At the time, Ladd was already showing its age. As previously reported in 2022, a 2016 engineering report gave the stadium a D-plus rating, and city officials had estimated it could take more than $30 million to fully renovate the facility. The city had also spent more than $1.5 million on repairs as of 2020.
Progress since the takeover
Since MCPSS took ownership, some work has been done, including a new turf field installed ahead of the 2023 football season, but the larger renovation vision has yet to fully take shape. That is especially significant as Ladd continues to serve as a major venue for HBCU football and community events such as the Port City Classic, coming Sept. 5, followed by the Gulf Coast Challenge on Oct. 3.
Kevin Ball, CEO of the Port City Classic and Gulf Coast Challenge, said the stadium has already completed what he considers the first phase of renovations.
“We are excited about our partnership with Ladd-Peebles Stadium and the continued improvements being made to this historic venue. Ladd-Peebles has been an important part of Mobile’s sports and entertainment history, and we’re proud to bring the Port City Classic and Gulf Coast Challenge back to the stadium this fall. We know that several improvements have been made including the installation of a new PA system. We look forward to seeing the community come together at Ladd-Peebles Stadium this September for an incredible day of HBCU football, culture, entertainment and tradition. We believe the Port City Classic will showcase not only two outstanding football programs, but also the continued progress and revitalization happening at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.”
Funding timeline still ahead
For now, the stadium remains busy, and the expectation is that improvements will continue while Ladd hosts another full football season. According to MCPSS spokesperson Rena Philips, the final installment of the district’s $2.3 million payout tied to the sale agreement is expected to be received by Oct. 1. Philips said there is currently no set deadline requiring the district to spend those funds or complete additional repairs by a specific date.
That means, even as Ladd hosts a full slate of high school and HBCU football this fall, the timeline for the next round of visible improvements remains open-ended.