Pasadena : Stadium Funds Approved

State lawmakers have approved money for the first phase of a new football stadium and sports complex to replace Pasadena City College’s aging facilities.

The state Legislature allocated $939,000 for the design of a new football stadium and a 65,000-square-foot multi-sports complex in what is expected to be first phase of a $15-million project.

“When the state commits money for design, it almost always comes through with the rest of the money,” said Mark Wallace, a college spokesman.

The complex and open-air stadium would be built on the Del Mar Avenue side of the campus on the existing site of the men’s gymnasium and stadium. The two-story complex would house classrooms, a gymnasium with three basketball courts, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a weight room and a sports medicine facility.

If the project is fully funded, the existing 67-year-old gymnasium and Horrell Field stadium would be demolished to make way for construction to begin in January, 1995, college officials say. The project is expected to be completed a year later.

Built in the 1920s, the existing gymnasium is among the oldest buildings in use in the community college system statewide.

Wallace said the college will need to raise $1 million for things the state will not pay for, such as artificial turf for the stadium.