What was the original purpose for commissioning the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was commissioned in 1921 with the primary purpose of serving as a memorial to Los Angeles veterans of World War I. It was later rededicated in 1968 to honor all United States veterans of that conflict.

When was the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum commissioned and completed?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was commissioned in 1921 and its construction was completed on May 1, 1923.

What unique distinction does the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hold regarding the Summer Olympics?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum holds the distinction of being the first stadium scheduled to host the Summer Olympics three times, having hosted in 1932 and 1984, and being slated to host again in 2028.

On what date was the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum designated as a National Historic Landmark?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 27, 1984, just one day before the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Which university is responsible for the management and operation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The University of Southern California (USC) is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

What is the current seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The current official seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is 77,500.

What was the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum prior to its major renovation project completed in 2019?

Prior to the renovations that concluded in 2019, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had a seating capacity of 93,607, though some sources cite 92,348.

Who are the joint owners of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is jointly owned by three entities: the State of California's Sixth District Agricultural Association, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles.

What is the architectural style of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is designed in the Art Moderne architectural style.

What is the reference number for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places with the reference number 84003866.

What was the original construction cost of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The original construction cost for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was $954,872.98.

Which architectural firms were involved in the design and renovation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

John and Donald Parkinson were the architects responsible for the original design of the Coliseum, while DLR Group managed the recent renovations.

Which NFL teams have used the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as their home stadium?

The Los Angeles Rams (1946-1979 and 2016-2019), the Los Angeles Chargers (1960), and the Los Angeles Raiders (1982-1994) have all played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

For which Major League Baseball team did the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum serve as a temporary home?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum served as a temporary home stadium for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1958 to 1961.

What significant NFL championship games have been hosted at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosted the inaugural AFL-NFL Championship Game, later known as Super Bowl I, and Super Bowl VII.

What was the largest gathering ever recorded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and when did it occur?

The largest gathering recorded at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was 134,254 attendees for a Billy Graham crusade on September 8, 1963.

How did the Coliseum's seating capacity change following its 1964 renovation?

Following the 1964 renovation, which replaced wooden bench seating with individual chairs, the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was reduced to approximately 93,000.

What challenge did the Coliseum's large size present for NFL teams regarding local television broadcasts?

The immense size of the Coliseum often made it difficult to achieve sell-out crowds, which could lead to local television blackouts due to NFL regulations.

What was the purpose of the screen installed in left field when the Coliseum was adapted for baseball?

The screen in left field was installed to prevent short fly balls from clearing the fence and becoming home runs, given the unusually short distance to the left-field wall.

What nickname did sportswriters give to the Coliseum's baseball configuration due to its short left-field dimensions?

Sportswriters jokingly nicknamed the Coliseum's baseball setup "O'Malley's Chinese Theatre" or "The House that Charlie Chan Built" due to its unconventional dimensions.

What significant political event took place at the Coliseum in 1960?

In 1960, John F. Kennedy delivered his memorable acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at the Coliseum, where he introduced the concept of the "New Frontier."

What major renovation project was completed at the Coliseum in 2019, and what was its approximate cost?

USC completed a two-year, $315 million renovation project in 2019, which included replacing all seats and adding premium seating areas like luxury boxes and club suites.

What is the significance of the Coliseum's Olympic cauldron?

The Coliseum's Olympic cauldron, originally built for the 1932 Summer Olympics and reused in 1984, remains a significant feature that is lit during special events or periods of mourning.

In which film was the Coliseum used as the backdrop for a basketball death match?

The Coliseum was featured in the 1996 film *Escape from L.A.*, which included a scene depicting a basketball death match within the stadium.

What is the purpose of the 'Court of Honor' plaques located between the peristyle arches?

The 'Court of Honor' plaques are dedicated to commemorating outstanding individuals or events that have significantly contributed to the history and prestige of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Which two major American football events were hosted at the Coliseum in the 1970s?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosted Super Bowl VII in 1973 and the significant Wattstax concert, often referred to as "Black-Woodstock," in 1972.

What was the function of the 25-step hydraulic staircase added to the Coliseum for the 1984 Olympics?

The 25-step hydraulic staircase was installed to facilitate the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, allowing it to be raised to the Olympic rings situated atop the structure.

Which NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event was held at the Coliseum in 2022 on a specially constructed track?

The NASCAR Cup Series held its annual Busch Clash exhibition event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022, utilizing a purpose-built quarter-mile track.

What is the architectural style of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is designed in the Art Moderne architectural style.

What was the highest attendance ever recorded for a football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The highest attendance recorded for a football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was 104,953, during a game between USC and Notre Dame in 1947.

Which famous musician's concert tour concluded with four shows at the Coliseum in 1985, with songs from one of those shows appearing on a live album?

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concluded their 'Born in the U.S.A. Tour' with four concerts at the Coliseum in 1985; eight songs from the September 30 show were featured on their 'Live 1975–85' box set.

What is the significance of the Coliseum hosting the first AFL-NFL Championship Game?

Hosting the first AFL-NFL Championship Game in 1967 was significant as it served as the precursor to the Super Bowl, marking a key moment in the unification of professional football.

When did the Los Angeles Rams last play their home games at the Coliseum before their move to SoFi Stadium?

The Los Angeles Rams played their final regular season game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019, before relocating to SoFi Stadium for the 2020 NFL season.

What was the primary role of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission's primary role was to provide public oversight for the master lease agreement between USC and the ownership entities concerning the management and operation of the Coliseum and the adjacent BMO Stadium property.

What new Olympic traditions were introduced at the 1932 Summer Olympics held at the Coliseum?

The 1932 Summer Olympics, held at the Coliseum, introduced the concept of the Olympic Village and the victory podium, innovations that have become standard features of the Games.

What was the highest attendance ever recorded for a baseball game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The highest attendance for a baseball game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was 115,300, recorded during an exhibition game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 29, 2008.

Which NFL teams have used the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as their home stadium?

The Los Angeles Rams (1946–1979 and 2016–2019), the Los Angeles Chargers (1960), and the Los Angeles Raiders (1982–1994) have all used the Coliseum as their home stadium.

What was the purpose of the screen installed in left field when the Coliseum was adapted for baseball?

The screen in left field was installed to prevent short fly balls from clearing the fence and becoming home runs, given the unusually short distance to the left-field wall.

What nickname did sportswriters give to the Coliseum's baseball configuration due to its short left-field dimensions?

Sportswriters jokingly nicknamed the Coliseum's baseball setup "O'Malley's Chinese Theatre" or "The House that Charlie Chan Built" due to its unconventional dimensions.

What significant political event took place at the Coliseum in 1960?

In 1960, John F. Kennedy delivered his memorable acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at the Coliseum, where he introduced the concept of the "New Frontier."

What major renovation project was completed at the Coliseum in 2019, and what was its approximate cost?

USC completed a two-year, $315 million renovation project in 2019, which included replacing all seats and adding premium seating areas like luxury boxes and club suites.

What is the significance of the Coliseum's Olympic cauldron?

The Coliseum's Olympic cauldron, originally built for the 1932 Summer Olympics and reused in 1984, remains a significant feature that is lit during special events or periods of mourning.

In which film was the Coliseum used as the backdrop for a basketball death match?

The Coliseum was featured in the 1996 film *Escape from L.A.*, which included a scene depicting a basketball death match within the stadium.

What is the purpose of the 'Court of Honor' plaques located between the peristyle arches?

The 'Court of Honor' plaques are dedicated to commemorating outstanding individuals or events that have significantly contributed to the history and prestige of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Which two major American football events were hosted at the Coliseum in the 1970s?

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosted Super Bowl VII in 1973 and the significant Wattstax concert, also known as "Black-Woodstock," in 1972.

What was the function of the 25-step hydraulic staircase added to the Coliseum for the 1984 Olympics?

The 25-step hydraulic staircase was installed to facilitate the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, allowing it to be raised to the Olympic rings situated atop the structure.

Which NASCAR Cup Series exhibition event was held at the Coliseum in 2022 on a specially constructed track?

The NASCAR Cup Series held its annual Busch Clash exhibition event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022, utilizing a purpose-built quarter-mile track.

What was the highest attendance ever recorded for a football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

The highest attendance recorded for a football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was 104,953, during a game between USC and Notre Dame in 1947.

Which famous musician's concert tour concluded with four shows at the Coliseum in 1985, with songs from one of those shows appearing on a live album?

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concluded their 'Born in the U.S.A. Tour' with four concerts at the Coliseum in 1985; eight songs from the September 30 show were featured on their 'Live 1975–85' box set.

What is the significance of the Coliseum hosting the first AFL-NFL Championship Game?

Hosting the first AFL-NFL Championship Game in 1967 was significant as it served as the precursor to the Super Bowl, marking a key moment in the unification of professional football.

When did the Los Angeles Rams last play their home games at the Coliseum before their move to SoFi Stadium?

The Los Angeles Rams played their final regular season game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019, before relocating to SoFi Stadium for the 2020 NFL season.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Wiki: The Coliseum Chronicle: An Architectural and Historical Tapestry

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Coliseum Overview

Location & Designation

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, situated in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, stands as a significant multi-purpose stadium. Commissioned in 1921 as a tribute to World War I veterans, its construction concluded in 1923. It is slated to become the first stadium to host the Summer Olympics three times, following its previous roles in 1932 and 1984. Its historical importance was recognized with its designation as a National Historic Landmark on July 27, 1984.

Ownership & Operation

Jointly owned by the State of California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles, the Coliseum's management and operations are overseen by the University of Southern California (USC). This arrangement, formalized through a master lease agreement, grants USC responsibility for the stadium's upkeep and event management.

Capacity & Naming

Following extensive renovations completed in 2019, the Coliseum's seating capacity was adjusted to 77,500. Previously, it could accommodate up to 93,607 spectators. In 2018, United Airlines secured naming rights, resulting in the official designation "United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum."

Historical Significance

Genesis and Early Years

Conceived as a civic memorial, groundbreaking occurred in December 1921, with completion in May 1923. Designed by John and Donald Parkinson, the original structure cost approximately $954,873. Its bowl-shaped design drew inspiration from the Yale Bowl. The iconic Olympic cauldron and rings were added, solidifying its association with the Olympic Games.

Olympic Legacy

The Coliseum served as the central venue for the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympics, hosting track and field events, ceremonies, and various competitions. It introduced innovations like the Olympic Village and the victory podium. Its role in the 2028 Olympics will mark a unique third hosting.

Professional Sports Hub

The stadium has been a long-term home for the USC Trojans football team since 1923. It also hosted numerous professional sports franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams (NFL) from 1946-1979 and 2016-2019, the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) from 1958-1961, and the Los Angeles Raiders (NFL) from 1982-1994, among others.

Management and Oversight

Joint Ownership & Lease

The Coliseum is jointly owned by the State of California, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles. A comprehensive master lease agreement, implemented in 2013, transferred long-term management and operational responsibilities, including capital renewal, to USC.

Commission Oversight

Public oversight is maintained through the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, comprising six voting members appointed by the ownership entities. This commission meets quarterly to review the lease agreement and USC's management of the properties.

Financial Responsibilities

Under the lease, USC is responsible for annual rent, property maintenance to campus standards, and assuming all operational and maintenance costs for the Coliseum and the adjacent BMO Stadium complex. Initial repairs stipulated in the agreement amounted to approximately $100 million.

Milestones and Moments

Concerts and Festivals

The Coliseum has been a venue for numerous major concerts and festivals, including performances by The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Rammstein. It also hosted large-scale events like the Electric Daisy Carnival and LA Rising.

International Soccer

The stadium has hosted significant international soccer matches, including CONCACAF Gold Cup finals and numerous friendlies featuring the Mexican national team, which has played the most matches at the venue.

Championship Games

The Coliseum has been the site of pivotal championship games, including Super Bowl I and VII, multiple NFL Championship Games, and the 1959 World Series. Its large capacity has often set attendance records for these events.

Motorsports and More

The venue has also hosted motorsports events, such as the NASCAR Busch Light Clash, and significant cultural gatherings like the Wattstax concert and Billy Graham crusades, drawing massive crowds.

Capacity Evolution

Historical Capacity

The seating capacity has varied significantly throughout the Coliseum's history due to renovations and modifications. Initially seating around 75,000, it expanded to over 100,000 in the 1930s before subsequent reductions and adjustments.

Years	Capacity
1930	75,144
1934	101,574
1939	105,000
1946	103,000
1947–1964	101,671
1965–1966	97,500
1967–1975	94,500
1976–1982	92,604
1983–1995	92,516
1996–2007	92,000
2008–2017	93,607
2018	78,500
2019–present	77,500

Source: Ballparks.com

Attendance Records

The Coliseum has witnessed extraordinary attendance figures. The highest recorded attendance for a football game was 104,953 in 1947. For baseball, an exhibition game in 2008 drew a Guinness World Record crowd of 115,300. These figures underscore the stadium's immense scale and historical draw.

Artistry and Memorials

Olympic Gateway

Created by Robert Graham for the 1984 Olympics, the "Olympic Gateway" features life-sized bronze statues of athletes, symbolizing the spirit of the games. These figures, noted for their anatomical precision, are mounted on a substantial frame, serving as a prominent artistic element.

The Coliseum Cauldron

Originally built for the 1932 Olympics, the Coliseum Cauldron remains a significant feature. It has been relit for numerous commemorative occasions, including honoring victims of tragedies, celebrating championship victories, and marking significant historical moments, most recently for the 2028 Olympic bid confirmation and centennial celebrations.

Court of Honor

Located between the peristyle arches, the "Court of Honor" plaques recognize individuals and events that have significantly shaped the Coliseum's history. This includes honorees from Olympic Games, notable athletes, influential figures, and commissions that have managed the stadium.

Cultural Footprint

Cinematic Appearances

The Coliseum's iconic architecture has made it a frequent backdrop in film and television. It has appeared in numerous movies, including Buster Keaton's "Three Ages" (1923), "Heaven Can Wait" (1978), "Escape from L.A." (1996), and "World War Z" (2013), often portraying grand spectacles or significant events.

Television and Streaming

On the small screen, the Coliseum has featured in episodes of classic series like "Columbo" and "The Incredible Hulk," as well as modern productions such as "24" and "Lucifer." It has also served as a location for reality shows like "The Amazing Race" and "Top Chef."

Digital Representations

The stadium's presence extends into the digital realm, appearing in video games such as "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," "MX vs. ATV Unleashed," and "Microsoft Flight Simulator," allowing virtual exploration of its iconic structure.

Teacher's Corner

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References

[2], "USC signs historic lease agreement with LA Coliseum" September 5, 2013

[3], " Trojans Women Soccer team Battle With No. 1 Bruins at LA Coliseum"

[4], "LA Memorial Coliseum & Sports Arena Booking Information"

LA84, Track and Field Meet Results c1964. [5] Retrieved Oct. 31, 2020

San Bernardino County Sun, June 23, 1970. [6] Retrieved Oct. 29, 2020

A Coliseum of dirt - Brian Kamenetzky, ESPN, 28 July 2010

California World Music Festival Poster.

The Rolling Stones American Tour 1981

MLB803093, USAToday.com.

[7], LAtimes.com

6195168.story, LAtimes.com.

"Memorial Court of Honor, List of Honoree Plaques" on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum website

A full list of references for this article are available at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural, historical, or event management consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Coliseum Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Coliseum Overview ℹ️

📍 Location & Designation

🏛️ Ownership & Operation

🏟️ Capacity & Naming

Historical Significance 📜

🏗️ Genesis and Early Years

🏅 Olympic Legacy

🏈 Professional Sports Hub

Management and Oversight ⚙️

🤝 Joint Ownership & Lease

📊 Commission Oversight

💰 Financial Responsibilities

Milestones and Moments ✨

🎶 Concerts and Festivals

⚽ International Soccer

🏆 Championship Games

🚗 Motorsports and More

Capacity Evolution 💺

📈 Historical Capacity

🔝 Attendance Records

Artistry and Memorials 🎨

🌟 Olympic Gateway

🔥 The Coliseum Cauldron

📜 Court of Honor

Cultural Footprint 🎬

🎞️ Cinematic Appearances

📺 Television and Streaming

🎮 Digital Representations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Coliseum Overview

Location & Designation

Ownership & Operation

Capacity & Naming

Historical Significance

Genesis and Early Years

Olympic Legacy

Professional Sports Hub

Management and Oversight

Joint Ownership & Lease

Commission Oversight

Financial Responsibilities

Milestones and Moments

Concerts and Festivals

International Soccer

Championship Games

Motorsports and More

Capacity Evolution

Historical Capacity

Attendance Records

Artistry and Memorials

Olympic Gateway

The Coliseum Cauldron

Court of Honor

Cultural Footprint

Cinematic Appearances

Television and Streaming

Digital Representations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice