Contact: Aaron Lambert
805-756-5856; amlamber@calpoly.edu

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Cal Poly Partners Plaza — the 14,200-square-foot hospitality area at the university’s Alex G. Spanos Stadium — received two awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers San Luis Obispo Branch.

The three-tiered pavilion on the north end of the stadium received the ASCE branch’s Outstanding Community Improvement Project award for its significant enhancements to the community and was honored as the Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project for providing value and benefit.

“Thanks to the foresight of so many people, this project has become such an asset to Cal Poly and the community and will continue to meet future needs whether offering great concessions for commencement or concerts or as a community gathering space,” said Cody VanDorn, Cal Poly Partners CEO. “We’re just pleased to be doing our part to enhance the Cal Poly experience for everyone.”

Cal Poly Partners — the university’s nonprofit auxiliary — worked with Wallace Group on the civil engineering, Maino Construction and Ten Over Studio, all based in San Luis Obispo, to transform the formerly unused and restricted space into a vibrant, multilevel plaza featuring concessions, a turf play and picnic area, and landscaped pathways.

The walkways provide Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access to all levels of the plaza and connect the home and visitor sides of the stadium with O’Neill Green, a parklike area north of the stadium. The project also includes new ADA parking spaces on California Boulevard adjacent to the site.

The plaza opened last fall and not only offers a continuous connection to football and soccer action on the field throughout games but is also a community gathering space during the week.

Moreover, the plaza provides a significant upgrade to stadium concession offerings. All game attendees have access to two different culinary and beverage venues and a standalone drink concession. The large picnic area, available to game attendees, also provides space to run around — a popular feature for young Mustang athletics fans.

During the academic year, the food, seating and picnic areas are open Monday through Thursday as another place for Cal Poly community members to gather and eat on the west side of campus.

With exclusive, private hospitality spaces, customizable catering and beverage service, Cal Poly Partners Plaza offers a turnkey VIP experience for company picnics and employee or corporate events.

Each year the ASCE San Luis Obispo branch, one of seven comprising the Los Angeles Section of the organization, recognizes outstanding achievements in civil engineering. These awards honor individual contributions and project excellence, celebrating the accomplishments of local civil engineers and construction professionals.

The awards will be given out during the ASCE SLO Branch 2025 Awards and Scholarships Event at the Madonna Inn on Thursday, May 15.

Following the ceremony, ASCE SLO Branch will submit the plaza project and other local award winners to compete at the L.A. Section level, one of four sections that make up ASCE Region 9, which covers the entire state.

---

About Cal Poly Partners

Cal Poly Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is 100 percent self-supporting and receives no state funding. Every dollar generated goes back to Cal Poly, providing vital resources to the campus community. Through a flexible approach and an unyielding spirit, Cal Poly Partners breaks boundaries to provide essential university resources and services. The nonprofit exists to enhance the Cal Poly experience, from delicious dining options, affordable textbooks and cutting-edge technology to academic supplies, spirited gear and faculty and staff housing.