Iconic Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach to be Demolished for Modern Replacement
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The Veterans Memorial Stadium, a landmark in Long Beach for 70 years, is set to be demolished to pave the way for a modern replacement, scheduled to be completed in 2029. The $250-million project will include a new stadium, a sports complex with a 2,500-seat arena, football, soccer, and track fields, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as athletic training facilities, offices, and a hall of champions. The stadium, a significant regional stage, has been a venue for high-profile sports events, movie sets, and community gatherings, and its demolition is perceived as the end of a historic chapter for the city.
Long Beach’s Veterans Memorial Stadium to be Demolished, Replaced with Modern Sports Complex
Long Beach’s iconic Veterans Memorial Stadium prepares for demolition after 70 years of service. This makes way for a $250-million modern replacement, planned for completion by 2029. The ambitious plan, funded by Measure LB, encompasses an 18-acre sports complex including a new stadium, a 2,500-seat arena, and facilities for various sports.
The stadium’s demolition marks the end of a significant period in Long Beach history. Veterans Stadium has hosted crucial sporting events, served as a movie set, and accommodated numerous graduations, making it a vital part of the city’s fabric.
Originating from a suggestion by homesick soldiers in WWII, the stadium became a symbol for the people of Long Beach. The city responded by passing a construction bond, resulting in a grand arena by 1950, cementing its place in the city’s history.
According to Mike Guardabascio, a sports reporter for the 562, the stadium’s size allowed it to host a multitude of events, from state championships to COVID-19 vaccinations. However, it was high school football that most defined the stadium.
In 2001, the stadium showcased what was billed as the Game of the Century, Poly versus De La Salle. The game, nationally televised, attracted over 17,000 spectators, making it a remarkable event in the stadium’s timeline.
Nevertheless, the stadium’s prominence has diminished over the years, due to rising competition and degradation of the structure. Despite this, some are hopeful that the rebuild could reestablish Long Beach as a key player in the sports scene, drawing upon recent superior upgrades at Long Beach City College.
Though the impending demolition is bittersweet for many, the community has the opportunity to witness the last games at Veterans Stadium and attend a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 9.
Kate Raphael reports for the LA Local, a nonprofit news outlet focused on Los Angeles communities.
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