Opened in 1947 Memorial Stadium stands proudly in Seattle Washington. It’s more than just a stadium. It’s a living memorial. A tribute to the Seattle Public Schools students who gave their lives in World War II.
Imagine the scene on that September day in 1947. Eight high school football teams played a grand jamboree. The stadium was brand new. Hope and remembrance filled the air. A memorial wall stands tall. Inscribed on it are over 700 names. Each name a poignant reminder of sacrifice.
Memorial Stadium hosted many important events. It played a key role in the 1962 Century 21 Exposition. It even hosted hydro plane races in its flooded field. In 1967 it became the first high school stadium with artificial turf. A true pioneer.
The Seattle Sounders a professional soccer team called Memorial Stadium home twice. Their matches drew huge crowds. Temporary bleachers were even added to boost capacity. They played there before moving to the Kingdome. The stadium hosted other pro and semi-pro teams too. The Seattle Majestics a women’s American football team played there. So did the Seattle Reign FC a women’s soccer team.
Today Memorial Stadium is still used. High school football games and ultimate frisbee matches are played regularly. It’s the home field of the Seattle Cascades ultimate frisbee team. The Grateful Dead even performed here in 1995. Their final Seattle shows were a legendary event.
The stadium has also hosted the Seattle Marathon finish line. Concerts and other community events are held here. It’s a vital part of Seattle life. A place where history sports and community come together. The Memorial Stadium is a place to remember and celebrate. A testament to the spirit of Seattle and its people. A place where the echoes of the past meet the energy of today. And a place that will continue to inspire for generations to come.