BACKGROUND

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was built in stages starting in 1923 and has had significant renovations for each of the Olympiads, in addition to repairs caused by the Northridge earthquake. The Coliseum has played host to the 1932 and 1984 Summer Olympic Games, the first Super Bowl, major college and professional teams. Due to its importance to the community, the Coliseum has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, a State Historical Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Los Angeles Coliseum Commission has proposed plans that would bring the Coliseum up to a state of the art venue for a National Football League team, as well as continuing its use by the University of Southern California, plus a variety of concert/performance configurations. However, no firm starting date for this renovation work has been set at this time.

FINDINGS

The Schools and Government Operations Committee of the Los Angeles County Grand Jury determined that there are several areas of concern in the areas of safety and health of patrons of the Coliseum as it now is configured.

The Committee found that water pressure was so low at drinking fountains that it was impossible to get a drink of water. It was also found that some drinking fountains were broken and that repairs have not been made in a timely manner. Coliseum management has now committed to a program of maintenance and repair of drinking fountains on a regular basis.

The temperature at the Coliseum can reach a level that may cause serious discomfort and illness in some people and, at present, there is no way for patrons of the Coliseum to cool off. The Committee has been informed by Coliseum management that "mist fans" will be installed in 2000. The first aid areas of the Coliseum are adequate in size but are hard to locate by an individual who may be in a state of medical distress.

It has also been found by the Committee that warning strips at the ends of tunnels, rows of seats or other areas which could result in falls have been worn away.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission:

1. Maintain all drinking fountains with adequate water pressure with all fountains inspected and repairs made after each major event at the Coliseum.

2. Conduct frequent inspections at all areas at high risk for foot traffic and that warning strips be painted and maintained.

3. Maintain a First Aid station on the playing level of the stadium for major events and that signing be installed for easy location of all First Aid stations.

4. Install "mist fans" at strategic areas of the facility for rapid cooling of patrons.