Steubenville Big Red's home battleground: Harding Stadium @ Reno Saccoccia Field...AKA Death Valley. Established 1930. The House that Punque Built has remained one of the finest stadiums in the land, and showcases the phenomenon that is BIG RED FOOTBALL. Tens of thousands flock to Death Valley to watch their beloved Big Red take on foes from various cities in Ohio and points beyond. The ghosts of the gridiron return every fall to inspire the Big Red of today, and to remind them of the deep tradition that they are carrying.

Reno Saccoccia Field @ Death Valley

1952 Calvin Jones Way, Steubenville, Ohio, 43952

 

 

 

 

The Big Red's all-time record in Death Valley is 475 victories, 136 defeats, and 11 ties, for an average winning percentage of 78%.

 

Death Valley Images

 


Reno Saccoccia Field @ Harding Stadium (Death Valley) FACTS:

 

* Construction approved by BOE in 1928, started in 1929 & completed in 1930.

* Cost of $45,000.

* Originally had natural grass playing surface with a track.

* Original seating capacity was 4,800.

* Dedicated on September 26th, 1930 with a 39-0 victory over Pittsburgh Oliver.

* First TD scored in Harding Stadium was by George "Puck" Burgwin on a 12 yard run in the 1st quarter, and he also added the first PAT. Burgwin would tally 182 yards on the day.

* First night game was on October 10th, 1930 with a 45-0 victory over Columbus Central....that game was among the first ever night games played in the Buckeye State.

* National Rushing Record set in 1931's 68-0 victory over Massillon as Big Red rushed for 734 yards on the cool fall evening.

* Bleachers added to boost totals to near 8,000.

* 1942's 76-7 victory over Dayton Stivers marked the most points Big Red has ever scored in Death Valley.

* Original scoreboard built in 1946.

* 1956's 66 points by the Canton McKinley Bulldogs marked the most points that a visitor has ever scored in Harding Stadium.

* Expanded in 1966 for All American Conference play to present capacity of 10,000.

* World famous "Man O' War", the fire-breathing horse since 1970.

* Old computer graphics/message board , debuted during Cincinnati St. Xavier game of 1977, was first of its kind in high school football.

* First Ohio high school stadium to have "miked" referees (1977).

* New pressbox built in 1993.

* New video replay scoreboard built in 1997.

* New sound system installed in 1997.

* New in-ground irrigation system installed in 1999.

* New lighting system installed in 2001.

* New fencing installed in 2002.

* New lower concession stand/restrooms and general renovations completed in 2002.

* New upper concession stand/restrooms and new home-side light standards completed in 2003.

* ProGrass synthetic field turf installed in 2004.

* Daktronics Video Board installed in 2004.

* Reno Field added to official name in 2007.

* Upgraded Surround Sound Sytem in 2009.

* New West Endzone stands in 2010.

*New Varsity digital scoreboard in 2011.

*Play clocks in 2011.