Matadome
Encyclopedia
Matador Gymnasium, most commonly known by its nickname the Matadome, is a 1,600 seat, indoor multi-purpose stadium
on the campus of California State University, Northridge
in Northridge
, California
.
classes for Cal State Northridge. Contrary to the name, Redwood Hall, and by default the Matadome, is not a dome
at all – the roof is flat. The Matadome was completed in 1962 and was officially opened on 30 November of the same year.
The capacity of the Matadome has changed throughout the years. Before the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Matadome had a capacity of over 3,000. The record attendance was 3,106 for a United States men's national volleyball team
exhibition against Japan men's national volleyball team
set on 02 November 1990, which was prior to the earthquake. After the earthquake, the upper section seats were removed to create more classroom space for Redwood Hall, and walls were put up to separate the Matadome from these new classrooms.
Other renovations include the installation of a completely new floor in 1996 (with a redesigning in 2001), a drop-down scoreboard above half court in 1997, and chair-backed bleacher seats in 1998.
In an editorial for the Los Angeles Daily News
, Jill Painter described the Matadome as "...the Kinesiology building with a basketball court inside...". Not surprisingly, the head coach for the men's basketball team believes the Matadome may hinder Northridge's athletic programs.
. They've played at the Matadome since its opening in 1962 and has been joined by the Cal State Northridge women's basketball team, as well as the Cal State Northridge men's volleyball and Cal State Northridge women's volleyball teams.
In addition to Northridge athletics, the Matadome has also hosted the 2001 Big Sky Conference Men's Basketball Tournament.
For non-athletic events, the Matadome has been used as a setting for The Karate Kid (1984) and National Lampoon's Van Wilder
(2002).
Multi-purpose stadium
Multi-purpose stadiums are a type of stadium designed in such a way as to be easily used by multiple sports. While any stadium could potentially host more than one sport, this concept usually refers to a specific design philosophy that stresses multi-functionality over specificity...
on the campus of California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge is a public university in Northridge, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, United States....
in Northridge
Northridge, Los Angeles, California
Northridge is a community located in the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles, California, United States.The 1994 Northridge earthquake is named for the place based on early estimates of the location of the quake's epicenter; however, further refinements showed it to be technically...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
History and renovations
The Matadome, unlike many other traditional stadia, is located within Redwood Hall, which hosts many kinesiologyKinesiology
Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics is the scientific study of human movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, mechanical, and psychological mechanisms. Applications of kinesiology to human health include: biomechanics and orthopedics, rehabilitation, such as physical and occupational...
classes for Cal State Northridge. Contrary to the name, Redwood Hall, and by default the Matadome, is not a dome
Dome
A dome is a structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Dome structures made of various materials have a long architectural lineage extending into prehistory....
at all – the roof is flat. The Matadome was completed in 1962 and was officially opened on 30 November of the same year.
The capacity of the Matadome has changed throughout the years. Before the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Matadome had a capacity of over 3,000. The record attendance was 3,106 for a United States men's national volleyball team
United States men's national volleyball team
The United States men's national volleyball team is the national team for the United States of America, it is governed by USA Volleyball....
exhibition against Japan men's national volleyball team
Japan men's national volleyball team
The Japan men's national volleyball team is the volleyball national team of Japan. The Asian squad started to play an important role in international competitions in the 1960s, scoring an eighth place at their inaugural World Championship in Brazil in 1960...
set on 02 November 1990, which was prior to the earthquake. After the earthquake, the upper section seats were removed to create more classroom space for Redwood Hall, and walls were put up to separate the Matadome from these new classrooms.
Other renovations include the installation of a completely new floor in 1996 (with a redesigning in 2001), a drop-down scoreboard above half court in 1997, and chair-backed bleacher seats in 1998.
Negative views
Despite all of these recent additions and renovations, the Matadome is still seen as a sub-standard arena. Players and coaches alike have spoken out about the gym, citing:In an editorial for the Los Angeles Daily News
Los Angeles Daily News
The Los Angeles Daily News is the second-largest circulating daily newspaper of Los Angeles, California. It is the flagship of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, a branch of Colorado-based MediaNews Group....
, Jill Painter described the Matadome as "...the Kinesiology building with a basketball court inside...". Not surprisingly, the head coach for the men's basketball team believes the Matadome may hinder Northridge's athletic programs.
Tenants
Before the Matadome opened, the Cal State Northridge men's basketball team played their home games at nearby Granada Hills Charter High SchoolGranada Hills Charter High School
Granada Hills Charter High School is an independent public school consisting of over 4,200 students in grades 9–12, located in Granada Hills, California. It currently holds the record as the top comprehensive public senior high school in Los Angeles...
. They've played at the Matadome since its opening in 1962 and has been joined by the Cal State Northridge women's basketball team, as well as the Cal State Northridge men's volleyball and Cal State Northridge women's volleyball teams.
In addition to Northridge athletics, the Matadome has also hosted the 2001 Big Sky Conference Men's Basketball Tournament.
For non-athletic events, the Matadome has been used as a setting for The Karate Kid (1984) and National Lampoon's Van Wilder
National Lampoon's Van Wilder
National Lampoon's Van Wilder is a 2002 comedy film directed by Walt Becker that stars Ryan Reynolds as the main character. The film also stars Kal Penn, Tara Reid, and Daniel Cosgrove. It features Sophia Bush's acting debut...
(2002).
