Celebrating its 10-year Anniversary in 2005-06, The Walter Pyramid has become a nationally recognized icon for the University and the city of Long Beach. Because of its dramatic appearance, its unique multi-purpose capability and its lure for television production, The Walter Pyramid, with a capacity of 5,000, is one of the finest collegiate athletic facilities in the western United States. The name was officially changed to the Walter Pyramid March 5, 2005 thanks to the generous donation made to the Department of Athletics and to the University at-large by Dr. Mike and Arline Walter.
Officially opened on November 30, 1994, the 49ers rolled to a 71-64 win over the University of Detroit before a crowd of 5,021 and an ESPN television audience. In its first season at the facility, Long Beach State posted an 11-2 mark, while setting an on-campus attendance record, averaging 4,254 spectators over 13 home dates. Over the past 11 years the 49ers are a combined 92-54 (.630) at “The ‘Mid.”
The structure's distinctive cobalt-blue exterior has permanently altered the city’s skyline. It rises 18 stories above north campus and can be seen for miles in all directions. It has provided a quantum leap in both the image and effectiveness of the Long Beach State athletics programs, with an immediate impact on the 49ers fan base, scholarship fund-raising, recruiting and revenue generation. Nearly 200,000 visitors pass through The Walter Pyramid's entrances annually.
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