1923 & 1931, John Parkinson & Donald B. Parkinson, Architects Exposition Park
Los Angeles, California

The Community Development Association, a private group founded by the five leading newspaper publishers, retained John Parkinson to design a stadium which would help to attract to Los Angeles the 1924 Olympic Games. The international site selection committee did not choose L.A., but nevertheless the stadium plans proceeded. Even with the pledge by USC President George Bovard to hold their football games at the new facility, many thought that it would never be filled to its capacity of 75,000 spectators. When the City was successful in its next bid to host the Games of 1932, the Parkinsons were called upon to enlarge and enhance the facility, including the addition of over 30,000 seats.

The expansion and remodeling included the creation of the upper levels of seating and a press box, the new Concessions Building, a 400-meter running track, new scoreboard, improved stadium lighting, and restroom facilities. The ceremonial Eternal Flame Tripod, and other improvements required for the worldwide event, were also added at this time. Upon the completion of this expansion, the Coliseum was then the largest stadium in the world.

The internationally-famous stadium has been the site of political and religious rallies, more than a few legendary concerts, and has been the venue for many well-known sports teams- the Rams, the Dodgers, and the Raiders . This versatile civic resource played a key role in the decision to allow Los Angeles to host the Olympic Games in 1984.

The 1994, the Northridge earthquake substantially damaged this National Historic Landmark. Repairs and structural reinforcement to prevent further seismic damage were made. .Enhancements completed a year earlier had removed the historic running track, added a 2,400 seat semi-permanent grandstand at the peristyle end, and added additional restrooms.

The Coliseum was the largest project ever undertaken by the Parkinson firm and it represents one of their finest civic achievements. John Parkinson's firm had designed numerous improvements for Exposition Park since 1910, and in 1919, created the USC Master Plan that responded to, and gracefully linked, these two great city amenities.

Even with the recent seismic upgrades, there have been questions raised about the future of the Coliseum and its ability to continue to serve the city. Another renovation is being considered, to attract a new football franchise and provide state-of-the-art flexibility for shows and concerts. Current plans for the Coliseum keep only the exterior of the stadium and historic peristyle intact. The all-new interior will support a greater seating capacity, additional concession stands and restrooms, luxury boxes, a private clubhouse, and a state-of-the-art communications package.

A limited edition print of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is available at our GIFT SHOP NEW!

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