Leaders in the Buford community at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Phillip Beard Stadium on July 27, 2025. Photo by Alicia Payne.
Soaring temperatures could not deter the community from celebrating the ribbon cutting of the new $62 million Phillip Beard Stadium on Sunday, July 27, in Buford. City and school officials, local dignitaries and the community witnessed a moment that blended pride, tradition and forward-thinking vision.
Buford Commission and School Board Chairman Phillip Beard says a few words about the honor of having the stadium named after him at the ribbon cutting ceremony on July 27, 2025. Photo by Alicia Payne.
The new state-of-the-art stadium is named after Buford City Commission Chairman and Buford School Board Chairman Phillip Beard. Beard has given over 51 years of service to the residents of Buford, never once missing a Commission or School Board meeting. His dedication and leadership have shaped Buford into the top-tier city and school system that it is today.
The actual field is named after a man who has impacted generations of student athletes at Buford High School, Dexter Wood. Wood has served in several roles at BHS, including Head Football Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and Athletic Advisor. His leadership and vision helped shape the Buford High School Athletic Department into the department it is today, one with over 60 state championships across 10 different sports.
Retired BCS Superintendent Melanie Reed congratulates Dexter Wood on the field being named Dexter Wood Field during Sunday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Alicia Payne.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was kicked off by a prayer led by Buford Church of God Pastor Joey Grizzle and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Buford High School Chorus Trio and Quartet performed the National Anthem.
Remarks were made by Buford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Chafin, retired BCS Superintendent Melanie Reed, Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin, BCS Assistant Superintendent of Operations Teresa Hagelthorn, BHS Director of Athletics Facilities and Operations Tony Wolfe, Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Beard.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, members of the community were allowed to tour the facilities at the stadium.
The 2025 Buford Wolves football season officially begins on Thursday, Aug. 14, when they host Milton.
Scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony for Phillip Beard Stadium.Buford High School Chorus Trio and Quartet perform the National Anthem.Scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony for Phillip Beard Stadium.Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones gives a short speech about the new stadium and Phillip Beard’s legacy.L-R: Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin, Buford Church of God Pastor Joey Grizzle, Buford Commissioner Chris Burge, Buford Commission Chairman Phillip Beard, Buford Commissioner Brad Weeks and son, and Buford School Board Member Matt Peevy and son.BHS Director of Athletic Facilities and Operations Tony Wolfe delivers a few remarks during ribbon cutting ceremony.Commission Chairman Phillip Beard gets emotional while saying a few words about the honor of having the new stadium named after him.Scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony at Phillip Beard Stadium.Buford City Manager Bryan Kerlin gives a speech during the ceremony.Retired Buford City Schools Superintendent Melanie Reed walks with Phillip Beard to the podium.BCS Assistant Superintendent of Operations Teresa Hagelthorn recognizes the coaching staff at Buford High School.Scenes from the ribbon cutting ceremony at Phillip Beard Stadium.Retired BCS Superintendent Melanie Reed congratulates Chairman Phillip Beard.Retired BCS Superintendent Melanie Reed acknowledges former BHS Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Dexter Wood, whom the field is named after.Leaders in the Buford community at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Phillip Beard Stadium on July 27, 2025. Photo by Alicia Payne.
