Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre facts for kids
The amphitheatre in 2012
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| Former names | Oceanside Pier Amphitheater Oceanside Bandshell |
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| 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 events. It is located right by the Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California. This outdoor theater used to be called the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater or Oceanside Bandshell. In 2012, it was renamed to honor Junior Seau. He was a famous football player and a local hero from Oceanside.
Discover the Amphitheatre's Story
The Oceanside Bandshell, as it was first known, was built in 1937. It was part of a big project by the United States government called the Works Progress Administration. This project helped people find jobs during tough economic times. The current building is actually the third one in this spot. The first one was built in 1919, and another in 1927.
What Happens at the Amphitheatre?
This special place is right on the beach and is a well-known landmark. It has permanent benches for about 1,500 people. There is also space for another 1,000 chairs if needed. Many different events take place here. You can see concerts, movies, and awards ceremonies.
It is also where Oceanside High School students have their graduation ceremonies. Other yearly events include Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo celebrations. A special event called "Operation Appreciation" has been held every May since 2002. It honors the military. Famous music groups like The Black Keys have even performed here.
The amphitheatre was also featured in the movie Bring It On. In the film, it was the setting for a cheerleading competition.
Honoring Junior Seau
On May 16, 2012, the Oceanside City Council decided to rename the amphitheatre. They also named the nearby beach community center after Junior Seau. Junior Seau grew up in Oceanside. His family was from Samoa. He went to Oceanside High School. Then, he played professional football for the San Diego Chargers for 13 seasons.
Junior Seau was very active in his community. He used to lead children in weekly exercise routines right at the amphitheatre. His home was just a few blocks away. He passed away on May 2, 2012.
The Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre and the Junior Seau Beach Community Center were officially dedicated on July 7, 2012. This special event was part of Oceanside's Samoan Cultural Celebration that year. A speaker at the dedication was Eni Faleomavaega. He was a Representative from Samoa.
