Groundbreaking marks new chapter for Veterans Memorial Stadium

Long Beach City College celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sept. 9, marking the beginning of a new chapter for a facility that has been part of the college and Long Beach community for generations. 

For many LBCC students, athletes, alumni and community members Veterans Memorial Stadium represents more than a place to watch a game. The stadium served as a backdrop for memories ranging from athletic competitions to high school and college graduation.

“The stadium holds significance throughout the region because generations of community members have walked across its field for athletic competitions, graduations and other important events,” LBCC President Mike Muñoz said. 

“Veterans Memorial Stadium means so much to me, not just to Long Beach City College but the entire region and the community,” Muñoz added.

^{Shovels standing in dirt with hard hats on the handles are placed in front of the crowd of the groundbreaking at Veterans Memorial Stadium Sept. 9. The $250 million facility will include an indoor arena as well as an outdoor stadium, the project is slated to open in 2029. (Alexandra Rios)}

For LBCC student James Reyes, the stadium carries personal memories of both sports and family. 

“It’s very bittersweet losing this stadium because I’ve played so many soccer finals here and I’ve watched both my brothers graduate here at Veterans stadium and I myself have graduated high school here,” Reyes said.

Although the stadium holds years of memories for Reyes, he is very excited about the opportunity to have a new stadium. 

The college considered renovating the existing stadium before determining that long-term seismic concerns made constructing a new facility a better option for the future.

“The goal was not to choose between preserving the past and building for the future, but to find a way to honor both,” Muñoz said.

Elements of the original stadium will be incorporated into the new project, including recycled concrete and architectural details designed to preserve pieces of its history.

^{Dr. Ennette Morton, left, vice president of the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees; LBCC Superintendent-President Mike Muñoz, center; and Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of the Board of Trustees, hold shovels in front of Veterans Memorial Stadium during the groundbreaking ceremony Sept.9. (Alexandra Rios)}

For Football Coach Marques Cooper, leaving the stadium after years of practices and games has brought a sense of nostalgia.

“It’s definitely surreal,” Cooper said, reflecting on the memories created during his time coaching at Veterans Stadium and games and time spent with his players.

“I will especially miss coming through the stadium’s tunnel and the moments when the team was together before and after games,while looking forward to the new stadium’s larger video board and improved facilities for student athletes,” Cooper said.

As LBCC begins building the new stadium complex, the groundbreaking represents both a farewell to a beloved piece of the college’s history and an opportunity for future students to create memories of their own.

^{Students leave messages on the stadium walls during the groundbreaking celebration for the new Veterans Memorial Stadium Sept 9. The messages reflected the excitement and support of the LBCC community as the new stadium project begins. (Jayleen Vasquez)}