SAN JOSE, Calif. - During the June 17 meeting, the San José City Council approved guiding principles for a new partnership between San José State University and the City of San José to revitalize the Police Activities League (PAL) Stadium Complex in East San José.
“I’m always grateful to partner with San José State University on new endeavors that will benefit the San José community,” says San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “This newest collaboration creates an important shared vision for the future of PAL Stadium — one that honors legacy and expands opportunities for youth, athletes, and communities in East San José.”
Plans for stadium upgrades will include a new track and field, upgraded seating and lighting, improved accessibility, and an updated press box. These improvements will benefit current PAL users and the East San José community, while also transforming the stadium into the new home of SJSU’s nationally ranked track and field program — honoring its “Speed City” legacy and Olympians Tommie Smith, ’69 Social Science, ’05 Honorary Doctorate and John Carlos, ’05 Honorary Doctorate.
San José State and the City of San José are partnering to revitalize the Police Activities League (PAL) Stadium Complex in East San José.
“Speed City is more than a chapter in our history; it is a living tribute to courage, excellence and justice. This partnership, made possible by the City of San José and funding provided by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, breathes new life into that legacy by creating a space where our student-athletes, youth and community can thrive together,” says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “We are proud to honor the profound impact of Tommie Smith, John Carlos, and generations of Spartan champions through a project that uplifts both sport and social progress.”
Backed by a $9 million state investment secured by Kalra, the project includes the Speed City Legacy Project, a physical space to honor SJSU’s track and field program legacy and connections to history, which will also support youth and community wellness. SJSU and the city will share leadership on design and operations, working closely with the PAL nonprofit to deliver programs that ensure that the stadium remains a hub for youth athletics and academics.
“I’m excited for this partnership between SJSU and the City of San José to improve PAL Stadium and transform it into a state-of-the-art joint-use track and community center. Modernizing and improving PAL stadium will uplift our communities, educate them about Speed City’s legacy, and honor Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ stand for human rights,” says Kalra. “I’m proud to have championed state funding to bring this vision to fruition and will continue to strongly support this project.”
This announcement marks the first step in this exciting partnership. More details, including final roles, responsibilities and site design, will be negotiated and presented to the San José City Council for approval in a future agreement.
Read the City Council Memorandum for more information on the guiding principles and partnership.
What They Are Saying
SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya:
“SJSU and certainly our athletics department and track programs are thrilled to learn the news that the ‘Speed City’ legacy project is moving forward at the PAL facility. The final project will yield a wonderful community asset for the city of San José, while at the same time serving as a first-class home for Spartan track and field. And it will be a tremendous place where the history and lasting cultural impact of SJSU Speed City can be celebrated for years into the future.”
San José Mayor Matt Mahan:
“We’re thrilled to honor SJSU’s Speed City legacy in a way that brings lasting value to our community,” says San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “This partnership will create an exceptional athletic facility where local youth can train, learn, and dream alongside elite athletes. This is how we build opportunity and pride in every San José neighborhood.”
San José Councilmember Peter Ortiz:
“East San José deserves world-class facilities and investment, and that’s why I’m excited about what this project will deliver,” says Councilmember Peter Ortiz. “This partnership will ensure that PAL Stadium remains a place where young people from East San José can grow and thrive.”
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