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UPDATE: Hilmer Lodge Stadium Opening Postponed

The new Hilmer Lodge Stadium

March 12, 2020 - 07:13 AM

Close Up View of Hilmer Lodge Stadium SignConstruction has completed on the new Hilmer Lodge Stadium, but the Mt. SAC planned April 4 grand opening celebration has been postponed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

Runners at the staring line

The track has already been well-tested by runners. In addition to the track & field team, the S.H.A.R.K.S. Club (pictured), a private club of runners, has been using the track to train. The club is made up of mostly Olympic hopefuls and other runners looking to turn pro. They told us that the track is superb. 

Runners on the new track

 The nine lane, 400-meter track was built to host Olympic trials, meeting IAAF standards, unlike the old track. This will make the world-famous Mt. SAC Relays an even more desirable event for the world's best athletes. 

Runners mid way though their race on the new track

Wide angle view of the new Hilmer Lodge Stadium

The new 10,739-seat stadium has been designed as a state-of-the-art venue for football, as well as track and field. The new facility features a nine-lane, 400-meter track, a natural turf infield, a new press box, and a giant 85’ x 37’ LED screen. Adjacent football and track practice facilities are also part of the project and in operation currently.  

Weight room in the new stadium

It also has a new field house with a weight room, featuring top-of-the-line equipment for the athletes. 

New locker roomMt. SAC athletes and the visiting teams will love the new locker rooms. 

Original Hilmer Lodge Stadium at Night

In addition, 60,000-square-feet of teaching space for Kinesiology classes will be available. Four auxiliary buildings will provide ticketing, food service, restrooms and telecommunication services.

Old Hilmer Lodge Stadium at night Day view of the old Hilmer Lodge Stadium

 

 

 

 The old Hilmer Lodge Stadium was used for nearly 70 years, until 2015. That was the last time graduation, a football game or a Mt. SAC Relays event has been held on campus. These photos are circa 1960 (L) and 1958 (R).

Construction of old Hilmer Lodge Stadium

 The old stadium was opened on October 8, 1948, and dedicated by President Richard M. Nixon, who was a local congressman at the time. 

More Construction of new Hilmer Lodge Stadium

The stadium is just one part of a whole athletic center being built. Also being constructed are a parking structure, a new Aquatics Center, a new gym and Heritage Hall. 

Construction of parking structure

The parking structure will bring 709 parking spots and tennis courts on top. Those spaces should be available to use by this summer. A pedestrian bridge will take students over Temple Ave. to their classes. The current aquatics and other athletic/fitness facilities on the north side of Temple will be utilized for other educational programs. All athletics, kinesiology and fitness will take place on the south side of Temple, in these athletics center buildings.   

Concrete pour

These projects require years of planning, hundreds of contractors, and obviously, numerous pours of concrete. They were financed mostly by Measure GO funds, along with some funding from Measure RR.  To learn more about these and other construction projects at Mt. SAC, please visit the construction website