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Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management Crisis and Emergency Management Newsletter Website |
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November
2006
Volume 11 -
Number 2 |
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L.A.Coliseum Renovations
By Sarah Antos Since its construction in 1923, The Los Angeles Coliseum has undergone numerous restorations. When this large open-air stadium’s doors first opened it offered just over 76,000 spectators seats, taking its title as the cities’ largest arena. In 1932, the coliseum received its first major alteration, when Los Angeles held the Summer Olympic Games. A balcony was added to accommodate roughly 26,000 more spectators and a bronze cauldron torch was mounted to its entrance gate. In 1983, the Summer Olympic Games returned, but this time preparations for the opening ceremony shrunk the stadiums seating capacity, to 90,500. For the next century this historic stadium remained relative unchanged, except for small alterations made by its new inhabitants, the USC football team. However, on January 17, 1994, the Northridge Earthquake, with a (moment magnitude of 6.7) inflicted considerable damage to the buildings structure. The balcony, which has been added in 1932, “pulled and twisted away from the remaining structure” causing the seating to “buckle and drop.” In addition, a large circumferential crack threatened the stability of all the interior amenities and the concession area. The Olympic torch pummeled to the ground. Within days, reparation and structural seismic upgrading ensued. 1,200 workers worked around the clock to restore this National Historical Landmark. After just seven months, 50,000 USC fans were able re-enter, and today, after 93 million dollars spent on reconstruction, the stadium can hold 92,516 people. Although its restoration, following the Northridge Earthquake, proved successfully, debate over the size of the stadium continues. Many believe that in order for the stadium to provide significant economic benefits to the city, it must host a major professional sports organization, and is thus must undergo go significant expansion and remodeling. Others refute this strategy, arguing against the city subsidization of its restoration, and note the value of its historical architecture. In November 10, 2005 NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, announced that the NFL and city officials had reached a preliminary agreement. Currently the City of Los Angeles has agreed to dedicate 800 million into the revival of the stadium, in hopes to stimulate economic growth. Long-term job creation and a jump in over sales in the region will hopefully offset initial costs. Discussion continue and the September 15th deadline has been push forward by the City Council, but if both sides can agree on a budget, the L.A. Coliseum will be a state of the art stadium by 2009. Sources: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9343707 http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9498647 http://football.ballparks.com/NCAA/Pac10/USC/index.htm |