Honolulu Stadium facts for kids
|
Termite Palace
|
|
 |
|
 Honolulu Stadium
Location in Oahu
Honolulu Stadium
Location in Hawaii
|
|
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 21°17′35″N 157°49′37″W / 21.293°N 157.827°W |
| Owner |
|
| Capacity | 25,000 |
| Surface | Natural grass |
| Construction | |
| Opened | November 11, 1926 |
| Closed | September 1975 |
| Demolished | December 1976 |
| Architect | Rothwell, Kangeter & Lester |
| Main contractors | Walker & Olund |
| Tenants | |
Honolulu Stadium was a famous sports venue located in the Moʻiliʻili area of Honolulu, Hawaii. It was found at the corner of King and Isenberg Streets. The stadium opened in 1926 and was the main sports place in Hawaii before Aloha Stadium was built.
In its last years, about 25,000 fans could fit inside. The stadium was torn down in 1976. Today, a public park called Old Stadium Park is in its place. A special plaque at the corner of King and Isenberg Streets remembers the stadium. Some parts of the old wall that stood behind the stands are still there.
Contents
What Was Honolulu Stadium Like?
The stadium was surrounded by several streets. King Street was to the north, near third base in baseball. Isenberg Street was to the east, near left field. Citron Street and Date Street were to the south, near right field. Makahiki Way was to the west, near first base.
It was located diagonally across from Moiliili Field, which was another popular sports spot. Honolulu Stadium took over as the main place for the University of Hawaii's sports teams. Mo'ili'ili Field still exists today as "Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Park," which has two baseball fields.
How Was the Field Set Up?
When set up for baseball, home plate was in the northwest corner. The third base line ran along King Street. The left field seating area was next to Isenberg Street.
Local newspapers gave slightly different sizes for the field. But most agreed it was about 325 feet to left field. It was about 305 feet to right field. Center field was around 430 feet away.
For football, the field ran alongside the third base line, away from the baseball infield. The west end zone was near the first base line. The football field stretched east-southeast, going through what would be right field and center field in baseball. Fans sat in right field and along the third base line to watch football games.
A Look Back at Honolulu Stadium's History
For most of its history, Honolulu Stadium was owned by a private company. This company was called Honolulu Stadium, Ltd., and it started in 1926. By 1943, the stadium was rented by the University of Hawaii.
By the 1960s, Honolulu Stadium was getting old and worn out. It was mostly made of wood, and termites loved to eat it! This is why it earned the nickname "the Termite Palace." In January 1975, the State of Hawaii bought the stadium for $8.5 million. At that time, the University of Hawaii owned most of the shares in Honolulu Stadium, Ltd.
Who Played at the Stadium?
The stadium was the longtime home for the University of Hawaii's college football team. They were known as the Hawaii Rainbows from 1926 to 1974. It was also home to the minor league baseball team, the Hawaii Islanders. The Islanders played in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) from 1961 to 1975.
In its last years, the stadium also hosted The Hawaiians. This team was part of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974 and 1975.
Famous Events and People
Honolulu Stadium was the place for several important bowl games. These included the Poi Bowl (1936–1939, 1945), Pineapple Bowl (1940–1941, 1947–1952), and Hula Bowl (1960–1975). It also hosted high school football games and world championship boxing matches. Even stock car racing took place there!
Track events were also held at the stadium. In 1949, it was the site of Hawaii's very first night track meet.
Many famous people visited Honolulu Stadium. Baseball legends Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth played there in 1934. Joe DiMaggio hit a home run out of the park in 1944 while playing for a military team. The amazing runner Jesse Owens even raced and beat a horse in an 80-yard dash at the stadium in 1946!
Beyond sports, the stadium hosted entertainers and speakers. Irving Berlin performed there in 1945. Elvis Presley had a concert in 1957. A year later, Billy Graham spoke to a huge crowd.
Memorable Games
In December 1971, the 1971 Hawaii Rainbows football team played against the undefeated and top-ranked 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. Nebraska had just won their famous "Game of the Century" against Oklahoma. Nebraska beat the Rainbows 45–3. They went on to win the 1972 Orange Bowl and finish their season with a perfect 13–0 record.
The very last event at the stadium was a baseball game. The Islanders won their first PCL championship against the Salt Lake Gulls. This happened in six games, ending on September 8, 1975. Honolulu Stadium was then replaced by Aloha Stadium in Halawa, which opened the following week.
