You’re driving down Day Drive in Parma, maybe heading to the Shoppes at Parma for a quick errand, and there it is. A massive concrete and steel structure that looks like it belongs on a Saturday afternoon TV broadcast rather than tucked behind a shopping center. That’s Byers Field at Robert M. Boulton Stadium.
Honestly, if you grew up in Northeast Ohio, you’ve probably spent at least one freezing Friday night here with a lukewarm cocoa in your hand. It’s the second-largest stadium in Cuyahoga County. Only the Browns’ stadium downtown holds more people. That’s a wild stat when you think about it. We’re talking about a high school venue that seats between 11,200 and 12,750 people depending on who you ask (official school records lean toward the 11k mark, but the gates have definitely seen more).
The History Most People Get Wrong
Most folks think Byers Field was just some 1950s suburban project. Not even close. This place has roots that go back to the Great Depression. It started as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in the 1930s. Back then, it was known as Ridge Road Stadium.
🔗 Read more: The 2016 Carolina Panthers Roster: Why the Super Bowl Hangover Was Real
The name we use today? That didn't come until 1953. It was named after Carl C. Byers, a guy who was the Parma Schools Superintendent for 15 years. When he started in 1942, Parma was a tiny town of 18,000. By the time he left in '57, the district had exploded to over 14,000 students. The stadium was a symbol of that growth.
Then you’ve got the "Robert M. Boulton Stadium" part. That was added much later to honor Bob Boulton, a legendary figure in Parma sports who basically lived and breathed the local athletic scene. It’s a bit of a mouthful, so everyone just sticks to Byers.
Who Actually Plays at Byers Field Parma Ohio?
It’s basically the Madison Square Garden of the Cleveland suburbs. It’s not just one team’s home. It’s a shared hub.
- Normandy High School Invaders: They are the primary tenants from the Parma City School District (PCSD).
- Valley Forge High School Patriots: Another PCSD staple.
- Saint Ignatius High School Wildcats: This is the one that surprises people. One of the most storied powerhouse programs in the country calls a Parma district field their home turf.
- Middle Schools: Hillside, Greenbriar, and Shiloh all get their turn under the lights.
It’s not just football, either. You’ll see track meets—like the Bill Dodd Invitational—and plenty of soccer matches. In the past, it’s even hosted professional women’s football and the AFC Cleveland Royals of the NPSL.
The Logistics: Loges, Lockers, and Long Lines
Let’s talk about the setup because it’s kinda unique for a high school spot.
📖 Related: NFL Picks Week 7 Straight Up: Why Everyone Is Overthinking These Matchups
The Press Box and Loges
The east side is where the action is. The press box isn't just a tiny room; it’s a three-section beast. On top, there’s a video platform that can hold five camera crews. If you’re feeling fancy, there are two climate-controlled loges. They hold about 40 people each and—I’m not kidding—they have refrigerators and microwaves. It’s basically a mini-suite experience for high school ball.
The Scoreboard
If you haven't been in a few years, the scoreboard is a massive LED video board at the north end. It cost nearly $800,000 back in 2008. It’s how they run replays and, more importantly, those local ads that keep the lights on.
The Turf and Track
It’s a multi-purpose surface, which is why the schedule is so packed. You can have a track meet on Wednesday, a middle school game Thursday, and a double-header on Friday. The wear and tear would kill grass in a week.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why a stadium built in the 30s is still the center of the universe for Parma sports. It’s because of the atmosphere. When Saint Ignatius plays a rival or when Valley Forge and Normandy face off in the "Parma Super Bowl," the place vibrates.
The location is perfect, too. You’re right next to the Shoppes at Parma. You can grab dinner at a local spot and walk over. Parking is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle—some lots are off Day Drive, and others spill into the mall parking—but it works.
One thing to keep in mind: the stadium is owned by the Parma City School District. While it’s a community landmark, it’s not a public park. You can't just show up on a Tuesday morning to run laps on the track unless there's a sanctioned event or you have specific permission.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
- Arrive Early for Parking: If Saint Ignatius is playing a big name, the mall lots fill up fast. Give yourself 30 minutes just for the "where do I put my car?" dance.
- Sit on the East Side for Amenities: Most of the "good" stuff—the main concessions, the family restrooms, and the locker rooms—is tucked under the east bleachers.
- Check the Digital Schedule: Don't just show up. Use the PCSD athletics site or the "BigTeams" pages for Normandy and Valley Forge. Schedules change constantly due to weather or playoff seedings.
- Loge Rentals: If you’re planning a big reunion or a corporate thing, call the PCSD Business Office. You can actually rent those climate-controlled boxes, and it’s a game-changer when the Lake Erie wind starts whipping in October.
Byers Field isn't just a bunch of bleachers. It's a massive piece of Parma's identity that has survived nearly a century of changes. Whether you're there for the 100-meter dash or a goal-line stand, you're sitting on a lot of history.