Whether it was a high school graduation, a football rivalry game or a vintage swap meet, many locals have spent precious time in and around Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Before the stadium begins its long-awaited facelift this fall, all are invited to bid farewell to the legendary venue through two free events hosted by Long Beach City College (LBCC):
- Farewell Football Game – Saturday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. The LBCC Vikings football team will play its final game at Veterans Memorial Stadium against Riverside City College. Complimentary tickets can be reserved online, and fans can expect community activities, giveaways and a ceremony at halftime.
- Veterans Memorial Stadium Legacy Ceremony and Groundbreaking – Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. LBCC will host a public ceremony to commemorate the legacy of the stadium and begin construction on its new restoration project. The event will feature college speakers, a video presentation, stadium signing walls, refreshments and giveaways. Those interested in attending can RSVP online.
The new Stadium and Athletic Sports Complex will be constructed on LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus (4901 E. Carson St.), supported by local Measure LB. According to LBCC, the project will be a state-of-the-art facility that includes an arena, centralized athletic fields and a new stadium that pays tribute to the original. The project is expected to be completed in 2029.
From its opening in 1950 until 1987, when it was sold to LBCC for a single dollar, Veterans Memorial Stadium was operated by the City of Long Beach.
The stadium has been the longtime home for the Vikings and Long Beach Poly football teams, as well as the monthly Long Beach Antique Market. It has also been a popular location for commercials, graduations, defunct sports teams, motorcycle races, roller derby and much more throughout its 77-year existence.
