Veterans Stadium construction lengthens students walk to campus

Parking restrictions at Veterans Memorial Stadium have added roughly 1460 steps to some students walking to Long Beach Liberal Arts Campus, a change that has become more noticeable as high temperatures continue in Long Beach.

Much of the stadium parking lot has been closed as LBCC prepares to demolish Veterans Memorial Stadium and begin construction on its new $250 million athletic complex.

Though enough parking remains for students, the lengthened walk to campus has had a large impact on students and their commute to the school.

“This longer walk definitely has been more difficult because I am on the further end of campus, so it’s a longer walk than I’d like to make,” Vanessa Nipita, a sophomore at LBCC said.

Along with the lengthened walk to campus, an intense heatwave has only added to the hardship students must face on their way to class.

“Since it’s hotter, I’ve been walking a bit slower so it’s been excruciating,” student Jourdann Hider-Jones said. 

Students have been vocal about the need for some form of transportation being made available to make the walk more bearable, especially for students that have physical impairments. 

^{A sign shows renders of the upcoming athletics sports complex anticipated to open fall 2029, on Sept. 21. (Liam Hollon)}

“I think if LBCC provided transportation it would be easier, especially if someone has a disability or is injured,” Hinder-Jones said. 

Students noted how the parking changes have also made it more difficult to find parking closer to campus in places like the parking structure, and the E and F parking lots. 

“It’s been harder to find parking closer now because everybody’s fighting for it now, so I have to come to campus a lot earlier,” Nipita said.

Students also complained about the general walkability of the campus as a whole, noting that the parking only furthered their frustration. 

“Sometimes I want to go get snacks from the other side of campus and it’s gonna be almost a 15 minute walk, so I just don’t go,”  first semester LBCC student Melanie Castro said.  

The walk to campus now takes about 3 minutes longer and adds 300 steps to students’ trip.