In 1922, the San Francisco Park Commission accepted funds from the estate of Mary A. Kezar who left $100,000 to erect a memorial to her mother, Nancey H. Kezar, and her uncles Bartlett, John and Charles F. Doe, all pioneer residents of San Francisco.

The City and County of San Francisco appropriated an additional $200,000 and with the total, Kezar Stadium was erected. Stadium Architect was Willis Polk. Dedication ceremonies were held on May 2, 1925.

Kezar Stadium was constructed on the site of the old Park nursery and stable yard, built in 1873-74. Also on the site was John McLaren's beloved Rhododendron Dell.

The Kezar Veterans' Shelter was built in October 1954, for crippled veterans from various hospitals in the Bay Area. This shelter provided space for approximately 30 wheelchairs, with room for crutch and cast patients.
 

STADIUM EVENTS

First event - 2 mile race between Willie Ratola and Pavo Nurmi of Finland, (world's greatest distance runner), on May 2, 1925.

Last event - November 10, 1988, Frosh Football between Sacred Heart and Mitty High Schools.

Two world championship fights - Jackie Fields vs. Young Corbett (of San Francisco), welterweight championship in 1932; and Rocky Marciano vs. Don Cockell (from England), welterweight championship in 1955.

The Forty-Niners first game at Kezar Stadium was against the New York Yankees on September 8, 1946 (Yankees won 21-7). The Forty-Niners last event at Kezar Stadium was the NFL Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys on January 3, 1970 (Cowboys won 17-10).

The Stadium, over the years, accommodated many events; Forty Niners football games, college and high school sports events, Shrine Hospital East West game, motorcycle races, track and field, rugby, soccer, Lacrosse, Donkey baseball, and auto races (in the 1930's).
 

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Kezar Stadium was demolished in 1989. The Stadium was reconstructed, providing seating for approximately 10,000 spectators. The new stadium's features include a new all-weather track eight lanes wide, a new soccer field 72 yards wide and 110 yards long, and two new scoreboards, as well as other additions. Primary funding came from Prop. D, a 1987 Park Bond.