The Walmart Express opened its doors in the city of Luther, OK, outside of Oklahoma City, in 2015. Last week, this location along with every other Express store in the U.S. closed its doors — 102 locations total. Walmart Express’ were convenience-sized stores, designed to provide low-cost options for consumers (much like Dollar Stores).
In Luther, OK, the youth football team has started a change.org petition to rebuild their field.
“Walmart should do the right thing and rebuild the field and donate it to Luther Youth Football,” reads the petition. “It was a slap in the face to all these kids to lose their field and source of revenue only to have the store left vacant after less than a year!”
The team has been using the high school football field for their games since Walmart bought the land they once played on, losing money to pay rent for the field, and revenue from the concession stand sales they once took in on game days — money that the team once used for equipment.
Local News Channel 4 KFOR reports that Walmart officials has stated that they plan on giving back to local non-profits, in the areas affected by the recent closures. Walmart has also announced for this location in particular, the company plans to either sell or lease the land.
“Make things right,” said football mom Julie Moore. “They work hard, and they love football.”