On Sept. 5, Palomar Community College and Erickson-Hall Construction Co. hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Palomar College Football Stadium.
This project marked a significant milestone for the college and local community, providing a state-of-the-art facility to host its football program.
The ceremony had more than 200 attendees, including college leaders, community members, student-athletes, and Erickson-Hall staff. In 2022, Palomar Community College District enlisted Erickson-Hall to construct the stadium, which sets a benchmark for football facilities at community colleges across the region. Erickson-Hall partnered with HMC Architects to bring the college’s vision to life.
“The completion of this project represents more than just a new facility; it’s a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible resources for our students and larger communities,” said Star Rivera-Lacey, PhD – Superintendent/President of Palomar Community College District. “We’re immensely grateful to Erickson-Hall Construction Co. for their expertise and collaborative approach throughout this process. Their dedication and leadership have brought our vision to life, resulting in a world-class football facility that will benefit our community for years to come.”
The football stadium – the college’s first – has a capacity of 3,600 spectators and includes a modern press box with an elevator, a synthetic turf field, and an upgraded scoreboard. The stadium was sustainably designed and includes accessibility improvements to accommodate large events such as commencement ceremonies. It also features a ticketing section, restrooms, and fencing that will be shared with a new softball field that is in the final phases of construction.
The football stadium is one component of the Palomar College Athletics Stadium project which was funded by Proposition M, the $694 million bond measure approved by voters in 2006. This facility will further the success of Palomar’s football program, providing a space to match the team’s success. The football program has excelled within the past 30 years, winning 12 conference championships, and appearing in 24 bowl games and four state playoffs.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Palomar Community College on this landmark project,” said Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall Construction Co. “Athletics are a crucial part of a student’s educational experience, making it essential to provide top-tier facilities that support their growth both on and off the field. We are proud to have built a stadium that will inspire and support Palomar College student-athletes for generations to come.”
Looking ahead, Erickson-Hall has also been supporting the construction of the new softball stadium, which was completed last spring in time for part of the 2024 season. A formal grand opening for the softball stadium is scheduled for January 2025.
The softball program, which has dominated the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference by securing eight consecutive titles since its inception in 1977, now has a facility that matches its record.
