Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
History
The Coliseum was commissioned in 1921 as a memorial to Los Angeles veterans of World War I. It was completed in 1923 and officially opened to the public on May 1, 1923. The Coliseum was designed by John and Donald Parkinson, who also designed many other landmark buildings in Los Angeles, including City Hall and Union Station. The Coliseum was the first stadium to have its entire field area enclosed by a continuous row of seats, a design feature that became standard for all future stadiums.
The Coliseum has a long and storied history, having hosted numerous significant events over the years. It was the site of the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, making it one of only two stadiums in the world to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice. It also hosted the first Super Bowl in 1967 and the 1973 Super Bowl. In addition to these major sporting events, the Coliseum has also been the home stadium for several professional and college football teams, including the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Los Angeles Raiders.
Architecture
The Coliseum's architecture is a blend of several styles, including Romanesque and Beaux-Arts. The most distinctive feature of the Coliseum is the peristyle end, which is modeled after the Roman Colosseum. This end of the stadium features a row of arches topped by a large torch, which is lit during USC games and other special events. The original seating capacity of the Coliseum was 75,144, but it has been expanded several times over the years to accommodate larger crowds. The current seating capacity is 93,607, making it the largest stadium in the Pac-12 Conference.
Renovations
The Coliseum has undergone several major renovations over the years to modernize its facilities and increase its seating capacity. The most significant renovation took place from 2017 to 2019, when the stadium underwent a $315 million upgrade. This renovation included the addition of luxury suites, loge boxes, and club seats, as well as a new press box and updated concession stands. The renovation also included the installation of new video boards and sound systems, as well as improvements to the stadium's infrastructure and seismic safety features.
Events
In addition to hosting football games and Olympic events, the Coliseum has also been the venue for numerous other events over the years. These have included concerts by major musical artists, international soccer matches, religious events, and political rallies. The Coliseum has also been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows.
Legacy
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a significant landmark in the history of American sports and architecture. It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The Coliseum's unique architecture and storied history make it a popular tourist destination, and it continues to be an important part of Los Angeles' cultural and sporting landscape.