Kezar Stadium, located in San Francisco, California, has a rich history that reflects the city's evolving landscape and sporting culture. Originally proposed in 1920, the stadium has undergone significant
changes, including a complete demolition and reconstruction in 1989. This article explores the key milestones in the development of Kezar Stadium, highlighting its role as a major sports venue in San Francisco.
The Initial Proposal and Construction
In 1920, Jack Spaulding proposed the idea of building an athletics stadium in San Francisco with a seating capacity of 50,000. The proposal was backed by many business leaders who saw it as a way to keep San Francisco competitive with other cities that had large stadiums. Several locations were considered for the stadium, including 7th & Harrison Streets, Ocean Shore, and the Central Park grounds.
The project gained momentum in 1922 when the San Francisco Park Commission accepted a $100,000 gift from the estate of Mary Kezar. This gift was intended to build a memorial in honor of her mother and uncles, who were pioneers in the area. With an additional $200,000 appropriated by the City and County of San Francisco, construction began on June 27, 1924. The stadium was completed in just one year, and dedication ceremonies took place on May 2, 1925.
A Venue for Diverse Sports and Events
Kezar Stadium quickly became a hub for various sports and events. In the 1930s, it hosted track and field competitions, motorcycle racing, auto racing, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, boxing, cricket, and football. The stadium was also home to several colleges, including Santa Clara, USF, and St. Mary's, as well as local high schools like Lowell High School and the now-defunct San Francisco Polytechnic High School.
One of the most notable events held at Kezar Stadium was the East–West Shrine Game, which began in 1926. The stadium also hosted the city high school championship game, drawing record crowds, such as the 1928 game between San Francisco Polytechnic and Lowell, which attracted over 50,000 spectators.
Demolition and Reconstruction
By the late 1980s, Kezar Stadium was in need of significant upgrades. In April 1989, the bleacher planks were sold off to fans at a party, marking the beginning of the stadium's demolition. The stadium was completely demolished in June 1989 and rebuilt with a smaller seating capacity of 10,000. The new design included an eight-lane, all-weather track and a grass athletic infield suitable for soccer, football, and lacrosse.
The reconstruction also involved shifting the field and track configurations several degrees counterclockwise to move the stadium away from Frederick Street. A replica of the original concrete arch bearing the name "Kezar Stadium" was built on the west side as a tribute to the original structure. Today, Kezar Stadium continues to serve as a venue for various sports and community events, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of San Francisco's athletic history.
