New Bowl plan to get look
Proposal outlines a more modest stadium revamp
By Kenneth Todd Ruiz, Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Environmental impact report for the Rose Bowl renovation project
PASADENA - Three years after Pasadena pored over reports on a $450 million rebuild of the Rose Bowl, a review of a more modest proposal will make the rounds beginning this week.
A supplemental review of potential impacts stemming from renovation plans such as widening tunnels, rebuilding the press box, widening the concourse and other changes at the historic stadium will be discussed by the Planning Commission on Wednesday.
“There are some impacts, but there's a strong case to be made for overriding considerations,” said Bill Thomson, chairman of the Rose Bowl Operating Company. “The Rose Bowl is the icon for this community, both nationally and internationally.”
Having the most adverse impact on the stadium, according to the report, would be the construction of an elevated concourse around the bowl's rim, with a system of ramps attached to the exterior.
The new review supplements an impact report completed three years ago, before Pasadena ended negotiations with the NFL.
It evaluates the stadium's “wish list” of improvements, and where changes exist from previous plans and determines what kind of effects it would have on the community and environment.
Fueled by fears the aging bowl won't be able to compete with newer venues and anxious to bring a facelift to the stadium, the renovation sought by the RBOC is less ambitious than those proposed when the NFL was still a possibility.
“The purpose of the renovation of the Rose Bowl is to extend the building's long-term use and financial viability by upgrading the stadium and maintaining its character-defining features,” according to the report.
Generally, the proposed changes include upgrading the stadium's infrastructure, expanding its ability to generate revenue, adding more amenities for fans - all without disturbing its historic landmark status.
To improve safety and comfort, stadium management wants to increase accessibility and traffic flow through the stadium's anemic circulation system.
Building the rim-level concourse and ramp system is one proposed means, but objections from wary preservationists and anxious neighbors could make widening the existing tunnels more realistic.
Among 340,000 square feet of structures to be demolished, a new three-story press box and luxury suites would replace the existing structure ringing the west side of the stadium.
Sharon Yonashiro, president of the Linda Vista-Annandale Association, hasn't read the new report but said the new press box was one change neighbors were seeking more information about.
“In the strategic plan it's envisioned that be torn down and a new one would be built,” she said.
Expanding the number and quality of premium suites is the "financial engine" central to long-term funding for the stadium, Thomson said.
“People in Linda Vista are concerned this could block their views and have asked (General Manager Darryl Dunn) to outline what the difference would be,” Thomson said.
A proposed Hall of Fame museum is also among proposed changes the RBOC hopes will bring more cash into the stadium.
Whereas community opposition bled away support for professional football, the biggest question mark hanging over the renovation plan - championed by NFL opponents as the alternative - is who will pay for it.
Cost estimates for the full slate of renovations have been made upward of $300 million.
Finding funding for the plan is the greatest barrier facing the Rose Bowl Operating Company, one that Thomson said doesn't have easy answers.
“I'm optimistic we're going to get there, it's just a question of getting the pieces there in the right way,” he said.
After the Planning Commission takes a look at the report, it goes to the Design Commission on Jan. 28, the Historic Preservation Commission Feb. 4 and returns to the RBOC at a special meeting Feb. 7.