Cal State Northridge Picks On-Campus Stadium Site

Cal State Northridge will build a new football and soccer stadium on its North Campus, President Blenda J. Wilson has announced, despite strong opposition from neighboring homeowner groups who fear noise and crowds.

Wilson acknowledged residents’ concerns but also cited a recent CSUN-sponsored survey stating that 68% of Valley residents support an on-campus stadium. Critics of the survey called it a blatant attempt to manufacture consent.

No timetable was set for the stadium’s construction.

Robert LoPresti, a member of the university’s 12-person stadium siting committee, said his dissenting views were excluded from the pro-stadium committee report that was recently sent to Wilson. He warned that outraged homeowners might respond with a lawsuit.

Wilson said the campus must find private donors to fund the 9,000-seat stadium, which could cost as much as $10 million.