New Pyramid Puts Dark Days of 49ers in a Whole New Light

In the fall of 1991, Dave O’Brien left his modest Long Beach State office each evening and wondered if he would have anything to return to the next morning.

O’Brien was in his first year as athletic director of the financially strapped 49er athletic program. And he wasn’t especially popular, having killed the football program in a cost-cutting move.

“Not popular?” O’Brien said. “That would be a tremendous understatement.”

Well, times have changed. Optimism has replaced gloom around the Long Beach athletic offices because of the potential of The Pyramid, opening to the public tonight.

O’Brien was at the forefront of the push to make the facility a reality. And although he won’t gloat, O’Brien smiles a smile of definite satisfaction.

“It’s more than a building--it’s a symbol,” he said. “The Pyramid represents the hopes and dreams of a young and growing university and athletic department.”