BY GWEN HAYES
Sentinel Editor
On March 18, 2013, the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council met and approved the Phillip Field Marker Dedication for Sunday, May 5, 2013, 3 p. m. The ceremony will be held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Phillips Field holds numerous memories for the African American community along with the total community.
During the days of segregation, Howard W. Blake and George Middleton High Schools played their games at Phillips Field. Former Blake football player, Earl Edwards (pictured) and Middleton’s Lloyd Mumphford played their high school games there. Edwards went on to play professionally for the Buffalo Bills, while Mumphford played for the Miami Dolphins and the Colts.
Another popular event held annually at Phillips Field was the Thanksgiving Day Games played between Hillsborough and Plant High Schools. All the high school games drew capacity crowds.
The field hosted the Cigar Bowl and Bethune-Cookman’s Tilt of the Maroon and Gold game each year. FAMU’s 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Hayes and UT’s John Matuszak, the NFL’s 1st overall draft pick in 1973, played football there.
In 1964, Peter Gogolak of the Buffalo Bills kicked the first-ever soccer style field goal in professional football in an exhibition game against the New York Jets.
Stock car races and boxing matches were also held there.
In the first college game played there, the University of Tampa Spartans defeated South Florida.
Located north of Cass Street, between North Boulevard and the Hillsborough River, Phillips Field was Tampa’s primary football and marching band venue for 30 years.
The estate of I. W. Phillips transferred the property to the City of Tampa in 1934 to be conveyed to the University of Tampa for a sports stadium.
Construction of Tampa Stadium in 1967 marked the demise of Phillips Field. The bleachers were razed in 1970 and the field was used as a practice facility for UT and then remained vacant for several years. Tampa Preparatory School now occupies the site.
Fred Hearns says, “Those who have memories of Phillips Field – Middleton, Blake, UT, B-CU, FAMU, Hillsborough, Plant grads and friends – are encourage to wear your tee shirts; most of all mark your calendars for Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 3 p. m.”
