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STADIUM
Renovation Overview
Since it opened in the fall of 1923, California Memorial Stadium has produced scores of unforgettable memories for generations of Golden Bears. From the Wonder Teams of the 1920s to the Pappy Waldorf years mid-century to the current success attained under head coach Jeff Tedford, the facility has treated fans of all ages to many of the greatest moments in the history of Cal football. It stands as one of the most enduring symbols of the University of California campus, has served as a gathering point for students, alumni, faculty, staff and other supporters for nearly 90 years.
Now, work is underway to retrofit and renovate the historic building, bringing it up to modern standards and producing a structure that will significantly reduce seismic risk and create a more enjoyable environment for the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend games ever year – all while maintaining the architecture and character of the celebrated stadium.
Preliminary work on the project, including installation of temporary bracing around the outer wall, hazardous material removal and interior demolition, began in June 2010. Major construction got underway in December 2010, starting with demolition of the interior bowl, soil excavation and wall shoring. The stadium will be game-ready to host Cal football in September 2012, with work completed in early 2013.
The $321 million renovation, which impacts all but the outer wall and the east-side seating area, capitalizes on the expertise of seismic engineers and campus experts that found a unique solution to protect the stadium and its users in case of an earthquake. Design features include concrete “seismic blocks” at end zone where the Hayward Fault bisects the facility and a press box that can sway in a large-scale temblor. The solution came as a result of collaboration between the campus Seismic Review Committee, the architectural team and the structural engineers hired for the job.
When Memorial Stadium reopens, Golden Bear fans will notice a significant number of upgrades to the facility, including three club levels for those participating in the Endowment Seating Program, a new press box, wider concourses, improved ADA access, and more restrooms and concession stands. Capacity will be reduced from 71,799 seats to just over 63,000.
California Memorial Stadium Renovation Team
- Architects: HNTB Architecture and STUDIOS Architecture
- Structural Engineer: Forell/Elsesser, Inc.
- General Contractor: Webcor Builders
- Project Management: UC Berkeley Capital Projects
- Project Advocate: Intercollegiate Athletics
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Renovation Highlights
- Modernized fan amenities, including wider concourses and additional restrooms and concession areas on the west side.
- New wheelchair seating with better accessibility and access around the stadium.
- The historic façade, one of the signature features of Memorial Stadium, will be retained. Damaged concrete will be repaired, detail work will be restored and a new finish to match the original 1923 look will be applied.
- Modernized public address and lighting system.
- Restored flagpoles atop the stadium rim.
- State-of-the art scoreboards with enhanced video and graphics capabilities within the existing structures at the north and south ends of the stadium.
- A new 34,000-square-foot press box atop the west side.
- Endowment Seating Program area (approximately 3,000 seats) that will include chair-back seating and access to three club levels (Field Club, Stadium Club and University Club).
- Bench-back seating in donor sections outside the ESP area with additional legroom.
- Old wooden seating will be replaced with aluminum bleachers throughout the stadium.
- Playing surface will be lowered approximately four feet to improve sightlines for fans seated in lower rows.
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