Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre facts for kids
The amphitheatre in 2012
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| Former names | Oceanside Pier Amphitheater Oceanside Bandshell |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N the Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054 |
| Location | Oceanside, CA |
| Coordinates | 33°11′38.81″N 117°23′0.88″W / 33.1941139°N 117.3835778°W |
| Seating type | benches and folding chairs |
| Capacity | 1500–2500 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1919 |
| Renovated | 1927, 1937, 1950 |
The Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre is a fun place for shows and activities. It is located right by the Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California. This complex used to be called the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater or Oceanside Bandshell. In 2012, it was renamed to honor a famous football player, Junior Seau. Junior Seau was a local hero in Oceanside, especially to the Samoan community there.
History of the Amphitheatre
The Oceanside Bandshell, which was the first name for this spot, was built in 1937. It was part of a big government program called the Works Progress Administration. This program helped people find jobs during a difficult time by building public places. The amphitheatre was changed quite a bit in 1950.
The building you see today is actually the third one in this spot. The very first one was built in 1919, and another one followed in 1927.
A Place for Community Events
This amphitheatre is a well-known spot in Oceanside, right on the beach. It has permanent benches for 1,500 people. There is also space for another 1,000 temporary chairs.
For many years, the amphitheatre has hosted many different events. These include big concerts, movie nights, and awards ceremonies. It is also where Oceanside High School students have their graduation ceremonies. Other yearly events like Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo celebrations also happen here.
Since 2002, a special event called "Operation Appreciation" has taken place every May. This event honors military members. The amphitheatre has also welcomed famous music groups. These include The Black Keys and Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
The bandshell even appeared in the movie Bring It On. It was shown as a place where cheerleading teams competed.
Why the Amphitheatre Was Renamed
On May 16, 2012, the Oceanside City Council decided to rename the amphitheatre. They also renamed the beach community center next to it. Both were named in honor of Junior Seau.
Junior Seau grew up in Oceanside and was of Samoan heritage. He went to Oceanside High School. He played professional football for the San Diego Chargers for 13 seasons. Junior Seau passed away in Oceanside on May 2, 2012. He used to lead children in exercise routines at the amphitheatre every week. The complex is only a few blocks from where he lived.
The Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre and the Junior Seau Beach Community Center were officially dedicated on July 7, 2012. This was part of Oceanside's Samoan Cultural Celebration that year. A special speaker at the event was United States Representative Eni Faleomavaega from American Samoa.
