Corroded screws and unstable seating weakly hold together the fan bleachers at Robinson’s Jack Peters Field. Consequently, these components also led to the movement of Robinson football games to Plant’s Dad’s Stadium.

During its bi-annual inspection, the Robinson stands were found to be so structurally unsound, the cause for alarm stemming from the faulty seating atop worrisome structures underneath that they were shut down immediately. News Channel 8 reporter Candace McCowan, in her investigative interview with Stephen Hegarty, a representative of the Hillsborough County School District, said fans could not enter the bleachers until the district could ensure they were secure.

The closing of the stands right before football season upset some South Tampa community members. “We will have the first ‘home game’ of our senior year at Plant’s stadium, we will not be able to cheer on our home field in our own stands, and that stinks,” Alexis Jeffries, Robinson senior said. Along with the emotional aspect of losing their home field for the first game, Robinson will also see a loss in revenue. “We will not make any money at our concession stand, nor will we make any money from parking”, said Jacqueline Ferris,  mother of a Robinson student. A Tampa Tribune journalist also reported that along with moving sports games to Plant, Robinson would also have to make unexpected travel arrangements for the team, band and cheerleaders.

The fact that Robinson’s games will be held at Plant leaves some students eager for the upcoming season. “I am happy, because it is better for them, since their fans will be in safe stands”, Jake Fruhmorgan, varsity football player, said. “I am excited to see all my Robinson friends during their games here at Plant,” Maddie Robinson, freshman, said. Even more so, the annual Plant vs. Robinson game, which was scheduled to be held at Robinson, will be held at Plant this year. “I am excited because it gives Plant the home field advantage which is amazing,” McKenzie Kennedy, senior, said.

Robinson is working hard to get its football games back home. Although its Sept. 5 game against Plant will be held at Dad’s Stadium, according to tbo.com, Robinson has a bid out for repair work, hoping to have its stands open by its second home game on Sept. 19.