Representatives Garret Graves (R–Louisiana) and Mark Pocan (D–Wisconsin) have jointly announced the inauguration of the Historic Stadium Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of Congress members. The primary objective of the caucus is to safeguard the legacy and authenticity of revered venues nationwide, while simultaneously enhancing their capabilities to host world-class sports events and concerts for generations to come.

The launch of this initiative holds significant importance in the context of preserving iconic stadiums that have played a pivotal role in shaping America's sports and entertainment landscape. The bipartisan collaboration aims to draw attention to these historic venues, which have not only hosted marquee events but also served as economic catalysts for local communities and as emergency preparedness centers.

Commenting on the initiative, Representative Graves underlined the cultural significance of these stadiums, highlighting their contribution to the local economy. He stated, "When Tiger fans step into Death Valley on Saturday nights, they are entering a local icon that has been part of our community for 99 years, supporting our regional economy. This initiative is about preserving the legacies of our historic landmarks and creating new memories for future generations."

The Historic Stadium Caucus, spearheaded by Representatives Pocan and Graves, acknowledges the historical importance of these venues and endeavors to protect their value while adapting them to meet contemporary requirements. Several historic stadiums, such as the University of Penn's Franklin Field (dating back to 1895) and the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium (built in 1922), are included under the caucus' purview. These stadiums have not only hosted significant events but also left an indelible mark on the country's sports history.

Representative Pocan emphasized the broader role that these stadiums play in communities, serving as hubs of economic activity and places where cherished memories are made. He expressed his commitment to protecting these cultural assets and praised the bipartisan formation of the Historic Stadiums Caucus.

The launch of this caucus signals a crucial step toward preserving and modernizing historic stadiums. By focusing on the infrastructure needs of these cherished venues, the caucus aims to ensure they continue to thrive while meeting contemporary standards and technological advancements.

Prominent figures from the sports world, such as Ronnie Lott and Cobi Jones, have also expressed their support for the initiative. They recognize the pivotal role these stadiums play in fostering community connections and preserving historical heritage.

At the launch, eighteen of the most iconic college football venues are committed to participating in the Historic Stadium Caucus. These include:

• Beaver Stadium (Penn State University, State College, Pennsylvania),
• Camp Randall Stadium (University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin),
• Cotton Bowl (Dallas, Texas),
• Davis Wade Stadium (Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi),
• Franklin Field (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania),
• Husky Stadium (University of Washington, Seattle, Washington),
• Jordan-Hare Stadium (Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama),
• Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California),
• Memorial Stadium (University of California, Berkeley, California),
• Memorial Stadium (University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois),
• Memorial Stadium (Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina),
• Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio),
• Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, California),
• SJSU Spartan Stadium (San Jose State University, San Jose, California),
• Tiger Stadium (Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana),
• Vaught–Hemingway Stadium at Hollingsworth Field (University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi),
• Wallace Wade Stadium (Duke University, Durham, North Carolina), and
• Yale Bowl (Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut).

The mission of the caucus is rooted in enabling representatives and advocates of historic stadiums to ensure these venues remain relevant and resilient in the face of evolving needs. The Caucus aims to strike a balance between modernizing these structures with the latest technology and security measures, while also preserving their rich historical significance.

By promoting dialogue and collaboration, the Historic Stadium Caucus seeks to secure the lasting legacy of these treasured venues, enriching both the sports and cultural landscape of the United States.

 

Source: businesswire.com

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