THE WALTER PYRAMID (CSULB)
Long Beach State University
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90840
Telephone: (562) 985-5661
Arena (opened 1994)
Seats 5,000 for basketball and volleyball.
About The WALTER PYRAMID
The pyramid is one of mankind's most admired forms. But Long Beach State's unique sports arena - The Walter Pyramid of Long Beach - is one of only three true pyramids in the United States, with the others in Las Vegas and Memphis. Completed in 1994, it measures 345 feet on each side. Its cobalt-blue exterior is a Long Beach landmark and at a height of 18 stories (192 feet), can be widely seen from most points on campus. Constructed at a cost of $22 million, it is best known as the home of Long Beach State's men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams. It was the proposed site for team handball in the Los Angeles' bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
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Quick Facts
•The basics:
The Walter Pyramid has a unique seating system which raises and lowers seats into place to turn the facility from a multi-court, multi-user playground into a sports arena for spectators. Once all of the seats are lowered and courtside chairs are added, there is room for up to 5,000 spectators. Architect Don Gibbs designed the facility for future expansion to 7,500 seats.
•Location and parking:
The Walter Pyramid is located on the Long Beach State campus and is best accessed from the San Diego (405) Freeway via the Palo Verde Avenue exit. From the exit, take Palo Verde to Atherton Street and turn right. The Walter Pyramid is then in sight at the corner of Atherton and Merriam Way on the campus.
•Management:
The facility is managed by the university. For information about site usage and rentals, please contact Mark Edrington, general manager, at (562) 985-5661, by fax at (562) 985-1905 or at marke@csulb.edu.
•Technical information:
The floor area comprises approximately 38,000 square feet in a 180 by 210-foot configuration. The floor is all beechwood and the minimum ceiling height is 60 feet, making the arena a favorite for volleyball and similar sports.
There are five modern locker rooms on the site, varying in size from 504 to 945 square feet each plus the 1,200 sq.ft. Ukleja Room for administrative or hospitality use. The Pyramid also contains a remarkable, 17,000 sq.ft. Fitness Club integrated into one of the corners of the concourse area.
Lighting is of broadcast quality, with approximately 150 footcandles available. There are multiple concession stands and a scoreboard. Adjacent parking is available for up to 2,000 cars in surface lots and nearby parking structures.