Veterans Memorial Stadium Set for Demolition as LBCC Plans Major New Complex

The longtime Long Beach stadium will close at the end of August as LBCC prepares for a major overhaul of its athletic facilities.

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Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen is a Staff Writer at Long Beach Classic, covering local news, community events, restaurants, business openings, arts and culture, and neighborhood stories throughout Long Beach.
Veterans Memorial Stadium

One of Long Beach’s most recognizable sports venues is nearing the end of its run.

Veterans Memorial Stadium will no longer be available beginning Aug. 30, 2026, as Long Beach City College moves forward with plans to demolish the existing stadium and build a new Stadium and Athletic Sports Complex. LBCC currently lists a tentative opening for the new stadium in mid-2029.

Before the old stadium closes, the community will have a couple of opportunities to be part of its final chapter.

Final Football Game Set for Aug. 29

The LBCC Vikings will play their final game at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m., taking on Riverside City College.

Admission is free, with complimentary tickets available to reserve online. The game will also include community activities, giveaways and a halftime ceremony recognizing the stadium.

LBCC will then hold a Veterans Memorial Stadium Legacy Ceremony and Groundbreaking on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. The free event will include speakers, a video presentation, stadium signing walls, refreshments and giveaways.

What's Coming Next?

The project will completely reshape this part of LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus.

Plans call for the existing Veterans Memorial Stadium to be demolished and replaced as part of a roughly 18-acre athletic complex. LBCC’s environmental documents describe approximately 180,000 square feet of new construction.

The new complex is planned to include a roughly 10,000-seat stadium, a 2,500-seat arena, football and soccer fields, track and field facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, athletic training and sports medicine facilities, classrooms, a student-athlete success center and other spaces.

LBCC says the new stadium will also pay tribute to the spirit of Veterans Memorial Stadium rather than completely leaving its identity behind.

A Longtime Part of Long Beach

Veterans Memorial Stadium dates back to around 1950 and eventually became part of Long Beach City College after the college acquired the property from the City of Long Beach in 1987.

Over the years, the stadium has become much more than an LBCC football field. It has been used for high school football, graduations and numerous community events.

And while the stadium itself is heading for demolition, one familiar tradition isn’t disappearing during construction. LBCC says swap meets will continue operating while the project is underway.

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