LA Memorial Coliseum: A Century of History

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, located in Exposition Park, has been a Los Angeles icon since its completion in 1923. Commissioned in 1921 as a memorial to Los Angeles veterans of World War I, it was rededicated to all United States veterans in 1968. Designed by John and Donald Parkinson, who also designed other landmarks such as City Hall and Union Station, the Coliseum quickly became the largest stadium in Los Angeles, originally seating 75,144. Over the decades, the Coliseum has hosted a remarkable array of events, cementing its place in sports and entertainment history. It holds the distinction of being the only stadium in the world to have hosted two Olympiads (1932 and 1984), two Super Bowls (I and VII), and a World Series (1959). It will add to this legacy when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics, making it the first stadium to host three Summer Olympics. The stadium has also welcomed visits from three U.S. Presidents: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. The Coliseum has been the home of the USC Trojans football team since 1923, witnessing countless memorable games. It also served as a temporary home for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-1961), the Los Angeles Rams (1946-1979 and 2016-2019), and other professional teams. In 1984, the Coliseum was declared a State and Federal Historical Landmark, recognizing its contribution to California and U.S. history. A $315 million renovation completed in 2019 modernized the stadium with new seating, a press box, and updated amenities, ensuring it remains a world-class venue for generations to come.