After years and years of study and negotiations, it looks like Memorial Stadium on the Seattle Center grounds will finally be torn down in an agreement between the city and Seattle Schools, reported today by The Seattle Times.
The Center’s master plan has long called for a new vision for the 60-year-old facility, which has been used for high school sports and was dedicated as a memorial after World War II:
Read the full master plan for the stadium and the Center.
"Calls to reintegrate this nine-acre parcel with the daily life of Seattle Center predate the1990 Master Plan; however, to date the School District and Seattle Center have been unable to create a plan that meets the needs of both parties. This proposal for shared use of Memorial Stadium offers a major break-through of the impasse, allowing us to envision a future where this property is an active contributor to the vibrancy of Seattle Center every day of the year."
While it paves the way for redevelopment of a large chunk of Center property -- including a new parking and transit center, a covered lid and lawn, and a smaller new stadium -- it also touches nerves with veterans, since the stadium was dedicated in their honor and in the memory of those who served.
Here’s a taste of the backlash that comes with the decision: a letter to the West Seattle Herald from longtime activist Guy Gallipeau, from American Legion post 1:
"Seattle Memorial Stadium was dedicated Thanksgiving Day 1947 to honor this remarkable generation. How soon we forget the sacrifices our youth made going into war directly out of Seattle schools. Shame on you Seattle to even think about desecrating a War Memorial honoring those youth and our future youth. Do we really need another parking garage in lieu of a War Memorial?”
My favorite personal memories of Memorial Stadium largely revolve around the great concerts I’ve seen there over the years: Pearl Jam, REM, the Jimi Hendrix tribute, Lou Reed, Mudhoney.
As a City Hall reporter, I was given a tour of the war memorial that is all but hidden from the public, and was surprised to discover the rich history of the stadium. The Center master plan does call for a new, more prominent memorial as a replacement:
The Memorial Wall, bearing the names of Seattle High School students who died in World War II, enjoys a prominent and respectful placement in a newly developed Memorial Stadium. This stands in contrast to today, where the wall is hidden by shrubs facing onto a surface parking lot, its water fountains filled with cigarette butts. Many who visit the Stadium and Seattle Center are unaware the Memorial Wall exists.
Many more of my friends who grew up on Seattle high school sports also have a certain fond spot in their hearts for the place, too.
As this column tends to take a slice-and-dice view of Seattle news, please feel free to share a slice of your Memorial Stadium memories
Comments
Thank you for your article regarding Memorial Stadium.
I addressed the issue of Memorial Stadium last year at this time. Go to mtsihsfootball.com/seattle_memorial_stadium.asp
I find the stadium to be a much needed "alternative use open space" more in line with the cultural needs of the city than the commercialized core to the south of the city and the homes of the Mariners and Seahawks. The Stadium SHOULD NOT go away nor be downsized to some afterthought of a facility that doesn’t project something special is going on when our youth teams get the privilege to play there. The City of Seattle needs to provide a venue that is special for the PEOPLE. A public facility the projects importance and appreciation for amateur sports...a truly special CITY venue, a place to showcase regional talent...an old school open air facility unique to the greater northwest and an alternative to the DOME!
I find the current master plan unacceptable and just another wasted space.
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