Los Angeles Coliseum reveals monumental renovation

The recently revealed modernisation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which encompasses well over 1,000,000 total square-feet, honours the tradition and heritage of the historic facility, while creating a true game-day experience for all University of Southern California fans. 

DLR Group led the design of a US$315m modernisation, which delivers a decided home field advantage for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans football program.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was built in 1923 and the USC Trojans played their first game there on October 6, 1923. Since then it’s hosted two Olympics, two Super Bowls, a World Series, a Papal Mass, visits by three U.S. Presidents, and scores of additional sporting and social events.

Global engineering and consulting firm Arup worked closely with DLR Group – who provided master planning, architecture, and interior design services – and USC to deliver the required upgraded amenities and improved services at the iconic venue.

A focal point of the modernisation was the design and construction of a new suite and press deck inserted seamlessly into the existing bowl on the south side of the stadium. The renovation also saw the addition of multiple suites, loge boxes, club seats, press boxes and a new concourse.

The improvements to the stadium seating and aisles reduced seating capacity from 93,607 to approximately 77,500, with every seat in the stadium replaced and handrails installed throughout.

Other enhancements included added:

• Improvements to the aisles and repairs to the steps to enhance safety
• Widened seats and increased leg room in many sections
• A new structure was added on the south side of the stadium that includes suites, loge boxes, club seats, a new concourse, and a new press box
• Updated entry concourses
• The installation of new field and stadium lighting
• Improved audio and video, with two new large screens relocated to the east end of the stadium
• Updated Wi-Fi throughout the venue
• Replacement of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems to meet current standards
• Improved food and beverage amenities in the new tower, including the addition of full-service kitchens

The NFL’s Los Angeles Rams – for whom the Coliseum is their temporary home – were the first team to play in the newly renovated stadium for a pre-season game against the Denver Broncos. The venue will also be used for the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 2028.

The USC Trojans opened the 2019/2020 season at the new-look venue on August 31 against Fresno State.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is one of four historic athletic stadiums designated as National Historic Landmarks by the National Park Service. DLR Group’s design retains the coliseum’s official landmark status while also being sensitive to the place it plays in the culture of Los Angeles and the United States. The modernised Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum retains its historic look, texture and impression.

Don Barnum, DLR Group Principal and lead of the firm’s Sports Studio, said that when dealing with any historic preservation project:

A lot of things come into what makes it a historic landmark and it is not just a view. We have to maintain that integrity.

Images: ©Lawrence Anderson, courtesy of DLR Group

ALSD International – Europe’s one and only event dedicated to the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector – is coming to Croke Park Stadium this October, where some 50+ high-calibre experts from across Europe and North America will be providing insights on how to increase revenues through new builds, renovations and service expansions, as well as via the latest F&B and technology offerings.

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