Long Beach City College Stadium and Athletics Sports Complex | Los Angeles, California, USA | 2024

Architects: DLR Group
Design Team: Mario Cipresso, Greg Garlock, Brandon Lim, Danny Zegers, Leigh Anne Jones, Rita Carter, Terrence Dankwa, Brian Ip, Jack Siebert, and Chris Cox
General Contractor: Swinerton Builders
Client: Long Beach City College
Photographers: Kilograph, Visualization

The Long Beach City College Stadium and Athletics Sports Complex (SASC) is a bold new vision for athletic and community life, merging the spirit of the Vikings with a forward-thinking approach to sports, education, and engagement. This landmark proposal will transform LBCC’s campus into a dynamic hub for activity, serving both the college and the wider Long Beach community for generations.

The SASC is designed to be more than a sports complex; it’s a dynamic experience. From the moment visitors arrive at the main entrance on Lew Davis Street, they’re welcomed by a thoughtfully designed central courtyard that embodies the spirit of the Vikings. Anchoring this space is a striking oculus, an architectural feature that frames views of palm trees set against the California sky and draws visitors toward the heart of the complex. This courtyard is more than an entry; it’s a unifying, iconic space that connects the stadium, arena, and Kinesiology wing, offering an open, inviting area for gathering, socializing, and inspiration.

As a focal point, the courtyard seamlessly links visitors to the Kinesiology wing, where students engage in daily training and study. This spatial connection reflects LBCC’s commitment to integrating academic and athletic pursuits, underscoring the SASC as a facility that supports the whole student experience. The oculus in the courtyard serves as a modern gateway, providing a symbolic place for gathering—where recruits, students, and fans alike can capture the essence of the LBCC spirit in one shared moment.

Within the complex, spaces are meticulously organized to enhance the experience for athletes, students, and the public. Athletes enter at ground level, following dedicated paths through locker rooms, training facilities, and equipment storage, all designed to streamline daily operations and maintain focus. Meanwhile, spectators are drawn upward to a concourse level that connects every seat in the house with ease, linking the arena and stadium and offering ADA-friendly access throughout. Every seat offers a direct view of the action below, ensuring a fully immersive experience for fans.

The SASC’s architecture is as purposeful as it is inspiring, aligning with LBCC’s low-profile campus while maintaining an iconic presence. Inspired by the long, horizontal lines of the existing Kinesiology Labs & Aquatic Center, the design features deep overhangs and open vistas that create connections between interior and exterior spaces. These gestures reflect LBCC’s architectural heritage, harmonizing with the landscape while adapting to the unique constraints of the site, including the FAA height limitations near Long Beach Airport. By embedding the Press Box within the seating structure, the design team preserved the stadium’s functionality while ensuring a sleek, integrated profile.

Functionality and community are the heart of the SASC. The design strategically separates the arena from the Kinesiology building, creating flexible zones for academics, athletics, and community gatherings while allowing for simultaneous use. The courtyard serves as an essential link between these spaces, guiding visitors from academic settings to athletic venues and offering a common ground for all users. This seamless integration aligns with best practices in collegiate sports facility design, providing spaces that support both focused study and high-energy athletic events.

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the SASC. With a commitment to LEED Silver certification, the project incorporates PV solar arrays, high-efficiency lighting, and intelligent energy systems that minimize the building’s carbon footprint. Rainwater capture, drought-resistant native plantings, and recycled materials enhance resource efficiency, making the SASC a model for sustainable sports facility design. Durable, low-maintenance materials ensure that the complex will endure over decades of use, reducing upkeep costs and maximizing utility for the college and community.

The landscape reflects the vibrant energy of the Vikings, with native plantings and natural forms inspired by the LBCC logo. A grove of palms in the main plaza and jacarandas along pathways frame the complex, creating shaded gathering spaces that foster community and enhance site safety. The promenade is lined with shaded seating and serves as both a fire lane and social zone, welcoming students, fans, and community members into the site.

The SASC is a true landmark for Long Beach City College—a space where students, athletes, and fans gather to celebrate the Viking spirit. It’s a facility that goes beyond sport, integrating community, education, and sustainable design into one cohesive whole. As a symbol of strength, resilience, and pride, the SASC is set to inspire for the next 50 years and beyond, a lasting legacy for LBCC and the Long Beach community.