Edwards, George C., Stadium
historic place
Edwards, George C., Stadium is located in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. This historic place opened in 1932. The stadium is named for Colonel George C. Edwards, a mathematics professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He was a member of the university's first graduating class in 1873 and taught for four decades. Designed in the Art Deco style by architects Warren C. Perry and George W. Kelham, the facility was initially unique. It opened as the only stadium in the world built exclusively for track and field. For many years, it held the distinction of being the largest exclusive track and field facility in the United States, with a seating capacity of 22,000. Edwards Stadium has a notable history in collegiate track and field. It has hosted eight NCAA and Pac-12 championship meets, a National AAU championship, and USA versus USSR dual-meets in 1971 and 1978. The stadium has seen 12 world records, 26 American records, and 24 collegiate records set on its grounds. This includes history's first 15-foot pole vault, achieved by Cornelius "Dutch" Warmerdam in 1940. In 1967, the oval was dedicated to Walter Christie, who was Cal's first track and field coach from 1900 to 1932. Later, in 1999, the infield was converted into a natural grass soccer field and renamed Goldman Field. Edwards Stadium was designated a Berkeley Landmark in 1992 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This recognition highlights its enduring significance in sports history and architectural design.