Title
Resolution to Dissolve the Peninsula Stadium Authority
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Peninsula Stadium Authority (the “Authority”) was formed by joint action of the City Councils of the City of Newport News, Virginia (“Newport News”) and the City of Hampton, Virginia (“Hampton”) in 1962 pursuant to the Virginia Public Recreational Facilities Authorities Act. In 2007, Newport News withdrew from the Authority and Hampton has been the sole participating municipal member of the Authority since that time. The Authority has substantially fulfilled the purpose for which it was formed and it is the desire of the Authority and the City to dissolve the Authority at this time.
On June 2, 2025, the Authority’s Board voted to dissolve the Authority, pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-5616, effective at 12:00AM on July 1, 2025. A copy of the approved Authority resolution is attached. The title to all funds and properties owned by the Authority shall vest in the City, as the sole participating municipal member.
At its June 11, 2025 meeting, City Council will also consider a resolution to establish the War Memorial Stadium Advisory Board (the “Advisory Board”), which shall function in a manner similar to the Authority’s Board. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services shall manage this newly established Advisory Board, which will fulfill the need for ongoing community input regarding the operation and maintenance of the Stadium.
In summary, the purpose of this resolution is to dissolve the Peninsula Stadium Authority. The ownership of War Memorial Stadium and any remaining Authority funds shall transfer to the City. Authority funds shall be placed into a line item within the Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services budget for the purpose of the Stadium’s operation and maintenance. The establishment of the War Memorial Stadium Advisory Board will fulfill the need for ongoing community input regarding the operation and maintenance of the Stadium.
Discussion:
See Purpose/Background above.
Impact:
See Purpose/Background above.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approval of the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the Peninsula Stadium Authority (the “Authority”) was formed by joint action of the City Councils of the City of Newport News, Virginia (“Newport News”) and the City of Hampton, Virginia (“Hampton”) in 1962 pursuant to the Virginia Public Recreational Facilities Authorities Act;
WHEREAS, by resolution adopted by the City Council of Newport News on June 12, 2007, Newport News withdrew from the Authority effective as of that date, and that withdrawal was endorsed and recognized by Hampton by a resolution adopted on June 20, 2007 by the City Council of Hampton and consented to by the Authority at a meeting held on May 8, 2007;
WHEREAS, by resolution adopted by the City Council of Hampton on September 26, 2007, Hampton amended the Authority’s articles of incorporation to re-constitute the Authority Board and to make related organizational changes necessitated by Newport News’ withdrawal from the Authority;
WHEREAS, the Authority has substantially fulfilled the purpose for which it was formed by overseeing the operation and maintenance of War Memorial Stadium for these many years and that all obligations theretofore incurred by the Authority have been fully paid or adequate provisions have been made for their payment;
WHEREAS, Hampton is the sole participating municipal member of the Authority; and
WHEREAS, the Board of the Authority voted on June 2, 2025 to dissolve the Authority pursuant to Title 15.2-5616 of the Code of Virginia and return operation of War Memorial Stadium, along with all other related responsibilities, to Hampton and that such dissolution shall be effective at 12:00AM on July 1, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, be it resolved that the City Council for the City of Hampton, Virginia recognizing the facts stated in the Authority’s aforementioned resolution to be true, by majority vote has dissolved the Peninsula Stadium Authority as of 12:00AM on July 1, 2025 and that the title to all funds and properties owned by the Authority at the time of such dissolution shall vest in the City and that all operations and responsibilities related to War Memorial Stadium shall become those of the City of Hampton, Virginia at that date and time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute any documents necessary to effectuate this resolution, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.