Seattle's Memorial Stadium set for public goodbye, open house Thursday

Memorial Stadium in Seattle is set to close as part of a $140 million redevelopment project, with a new facility scheduled to open in 2027. The stadium has been a vital hub for community activities, including sports and concerts, for nearly 80 years. Former band member Marcus Pimpleton highlighted the stadium's role in shaping his educational aspirations and confidence. An open house event on June 26 will allow the public to share memories and celebrate the venue's legacy before demolition begins. The new stadium will feature 6,500 seats and aims to provide a modern space for various events, maintaining its historical significance with the preservation of the Memorial Wall.

The project, funded by voter-approved bonds, city money, and private donations, addresses years of deferred maintenance that have left the old structure in disrepair. Pimpleton, now a principal and music educator, hopes the new facility will inspire future students just as he was inspired in his youth. The stadium's history dates back nearly 100 years, with the original Civic Field opening in 1927.