L.A. Coliseum Commission Approves Seating Plan That Will Save Track

The L.A. Coliseum Commission has approved a seating renovation plan that will bring fans closer to the field without eliminating the running track.

The $11-million project, which will coincide with the construction of luxury suites and be finished by the start of the 1987 football season, will include portable and retractable seats that will cover the track.

The new seating configuration will add 2,000 seats between the end zones, with a total gain of 9,100 seats on the lower field level. However, because the stadium will be enclosed on the east end, the capacity for football will decrease from 92,616 to about 82,000.

The Coliseum Commission also approved a $3.2-million construction of a multipurpose practice facility at the Sports Arena that will be used by the Clippers and USC basketball teams. Included will be locker rooms, meeting rooms, coaching offices and a gym.