Bakersfield College’s Memorial Stadium is marking its 70th anniversary, a milestone that resonates deeply with those who have experienced its storied past. For more than half of its existence, the stadium has been a hub for fall football games, drawing crowds and creating lasting memories.
Bryan Nixon, known for his football coaching at Centennial and Liberty, is now an assistant principal at North High.
Reflecting on his time at Bakersfield College, Nixon said, “That’s iconic in Bakersfield. To be a junior college to have a stadium that beautiful, to fill it up like they’ve done, and to have so many people and so many relationships built there is second to none.”
He credits the college and its stadium with having a significant impact on his life, recalling the intense atmosphere of games like the Potato Bowl against Taft, which drew over 20,000 fans.
“I wish we could have pulled it off. So you asking me if I think about those? Yeah, I think about those, ’cause we lost them,” Nixon said.
Ken Calvin, who played on teams with a 22-2 record and two Potato Bowl victories, now broadcasts Bakersfield College games and briefly coached there. He fondly remembers carrying Coach Carl Bowser off the field after their first Potato Bowl championship, which was Bowser’s last game before retirement.
Calvin emphasized the stadium’s impact, saying, “I’ve had special experiences there being an All-American player and now Hall of Famer there. But there are thousands of people who would tell you the same thing no matter their accolades. Just about how much the place means to you from a life-changing experience.”
Memorial Stadium continues to be a gathering place, hosting events like graduations and homecoming festivities. The Renegades celebrated homecoming this past weekend with alumni activities.
Bakersfield College’s next home game is scheduled for Oct. 25 against East Los Angeles.