Written by Sarah Bergstrom, USC blog contributor
(Photo credit to Dietmar Quistorf)
"Compromise and partnership are not always easy," said Fabian Wesson, the director of the board of trustees of the California Science Center. "Our journey to this point started no less than two years ago but with great focus, team effort, collaboration, and partnership, we have arrived."
Representatives of the Science Center, Natural History Museum, USC, the Coliseum, and city council members were in attendance. The signing celebrated the culmination of years of negotiation and patience from every person involved. President Nikias emphasized the unparalleled legacy of the Coliseum and expressed his excitement for what is to come in the next century.
"For 90 years, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has been a treasure to our community, to the city of Los Angeles, and to our nation," said USC President Nikias. "We are very fortunate that USC has been its most loyal and dedicated tenant from the very beginning."
Nikias also spoke to the communal importance of the Coliseum and the neighboring area of Expo Park, ensuring that the new deal aims to keep the local community a main priority. With the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games set to be held in Los Angeles, Nikias shared his hope that an upgraded Coliseum will be on display. Along with his colleagues and city representatives, Nikias also stated that the renovation plans should help make a push for Los Angeles to play host to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
