Mitchell Stadium is the home football stadium for both high schools and Bowen Field, the home baseball field for the area high schools and the annual Coppinger Tournament. (Bluefield, West Virginia and Virginia, 13) Local schools have always been in fierce competition and are regularly breaking school records. Bowen Field is also the home of the Bluefield Orioles. The team has the distinction of having the longest affiliation (over forty years) in Minor League Baseball with their parent club, the Baltimore Orioles. Another interesting fact is that Cal Ripkin started his career with the Bluefield Os. (Law, Interview)To experience a scenic view of Bluefield and the East River Valley at 3500 feet above sea level, visit the East River Mountain Overlook. First opened on September 2, 1960, it was made possible by hundreds of volunteers and organizations who donated time, effort, and funds to the project. In the first two months of operation, the overlookwas visited by a record 7,700 people coming from 42 states and 26 foreign countries. (East River Mountain Overlook Park) Now, newly renovated, it features an observation deck with binoculars, restrooms, hiking trails, and picnic shelters with tables and grills.In an effort to expand for the future, Bluefield is in the process of constructing Bluefield Intermediate, a new school that will hold all of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in the area. Upon its completion, the smaller Cumberland Heights Elementary School will be closed. It is planned to be operational for the 2000-2001 school year. (Crockett, Interview)Through nearby major highways, Bluefield is easily accessible to the surrounding areas. Interstate 77, which runs from the Great Lakes to Florida, and U.S. Route 460 are just minutes away connecting the Greater Bluefield area with major routes for tourism and shipping. (Southern West Virginias Visitors Guide) Giving the area better access for new business development, Co...
