Seattle Public Schools, city leaders seek proposals from private groups to rebuild Memorial Stadium
Seattle Public Schools and the city of Seattle have formally issued a request for proposals to tear down Memorial Stadium and replace it with a new multi-purpose venue on the Seattle Center campus.
Potential private partners would invest in, design, build, operate, maintain and manage the new stadium. SPS would continue to own the stadium and maintain priority use, according to a news release.
“The city’s agreement with Seattle Public Schools creates a rare opportunity to build a first-class venue prioritizing public schools, right in the cultural heart of the city,” said Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez. “This project has been a long time coming.”
Memorial Stadium was built on land the city gifted to the district in 1946, and construction was completed the following year.
It was also selected as the site for a World War II memorial by a group of community leaders to pay tribute to the nearly 800 SPS alums who lost their lives in the war.
In the 76 years since then, the stadium has been used for school events, including high school athletic events and graduation ceremonies, and community events such as Bumbershoot.
“Memorial Stadium – and the Memorial Wall, dedicated to honoring alumni who lost their lives in World War II, has historical, experiential and emotional resonance for Seattle Public Schools,” said SPS Superintendent Brent Jones. “An enhanced stadium would allow the district to provide students with a modern facility for cultural performances, athletic events, commencement ceremonies, and social and educational opportunities. The school district is eager to demonstrate how this partnership can benefit students and families while improving integration with the Seattle Center campus.”
Public funds designated for the stadium construction include $66.5 million approved by Seattle voters in last year’s SPS capital levy and $21 million from the city.
The Seattle City Council has also expressed its intent to identify an additional $19 million by 2026. Gov. Jay Inslee proposed $4 million for the project in the state’s capital budget, subject to state legislature approval later this session.
The city and SPS are expected to select a proposal in May. City leaders will then launch a process for students, families and community members to provide input about the planning and design of the new stadium.
