Coliseum Promotional Film Shows Renovated Facility in Different Light

Managers of the Coliseum will unveil their new promotional film Wednesday with Pat Haden, former Ram and USC quarterback, pointing out that the facility may yet be the best place for playing pro football in Los Angeles.

The renovation shown includes the lower field installed two years ago, seats closer to the field of play, the new press box constructed in 1995 after the Northridge earthquake had ruined the old one, the 1994 seismic reinforcing, 41 luxury suites planned for the 1996 season, and plans for landscaping in Exposition Park and a new parking structure.

And there is an effort made in the film to challenge the Coliseum area’s reputation for crime. The film claims that crime statistics from police agencies show that 20 NFL venues have more crime in their areas than the Coliseum. During the portions of the film that discusses the Coliseum neighborhood, many whites are shown, two or three Asians and no African-Americans.

The stadium’s general manager, Pat Lynch, says the seven-minute film will be sent to all NFL teams and widely disseminated to others who may consider putting a pro team in the Coliseum.

But, he added, all the language is not yet set. That may be revised in the final version.