
Veterans Stadium Long Beach City College
A versatile event venue on Long Beach City College campus, known for swap meets, car shows, and local theater.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To catch local sports or shows

Veterans Stadium Long Beach City College
Best Time
To catch local sports or shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A versatile event venue on Long Beach City College campus, known for swap meets, car shows, and local theater.
"Great little exhibition of classic buses and a fantastic swap meet for parts. "

Check Event Schedule First
Confirm events like soccer games or swap meets are happening before you go.
VW Bus Enthusiast Heaven
Don't miss the OCTO Bus meet for rare VW Transporters and parts.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Local Theater Productions
Inside the stadium
Experience intimate local theater with surprisingly clear acoustics, offering a unique cultural outing.

Classic Car & VW Bus Meets
Stadium parking lot
Admire vintage Volkswagen buses and classic cars at regular swap meets and exhibitions.

Swap Meet Extravaganza
Stadium grounds
Discover a vast array of items, from car and bike parts to clothing, at this large open-air market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event-Focused Venue
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedule First
Confirm events like soccer games or swap meets are happening before you go.
VW Bus Enthusiast Heaven
Don't miss the OCTO Bus meet for rare VW Transporters and parts.
Swap Meet Treasures
Explore diverse items from car parts to clothing at the bi-weekly swap meet.
Local Cultural Gem
Enjoy intimate theater productions with great acoustics.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedule First
Confirm events like soccer games or swap meets are happening before you go.
VW Bus Enthusiast Heaven
Don't miss the OCTO Bus meet for rare VW Transporters and parts.
Swap Meet Treasures
Explore diverse items from car parts to clothing at the bi-weekly swap meet.
Local Cultural Gem
Enjoy intimate theater productions with great acoustics.
Easy Parking Guidance
Staff are helpful with directing you to nearby street parking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Veterans Stadium is primarily recognized for its role as an event venue, particularly for its popular swap meets and car shows, which are praised for variety and community atmosphere. While not a typical tourist attraction, it offers a unique cultural experience through local theater productions with good acoustics. Some visitors note it's more about the event than the stadium itself.
"A modest performance venue tucked off Ocean Boulevard. I caught a local theater troupe’s production, and the acoustics surprised me—terrific clarity without the flash of bigger stages. Seats were plush and only partially filled, creating an intimate feel. The staff guided me to nearby street-parking as if I were a VIP. Great, under-the-radar cultural outing"
Marlene Willauer
"Great little show from OCTO all pre 68 VW Transporters. Some really clean and really rare busses and single/ double cabs. Got some contacts and ideas for my upcoming project."
Ronin Autowerks
"Came for the OCTO Bus meet. Great show for VW busses. There are plenty on display with swap meet for bus parts . A few food trucks in case you get hungry and plenty of parking. Easy to get to. Had a Great time will be back"
Ol 59 Kafer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Veterans Stadium is located on the campus of Long Beach City College. While specific public transport routes might vary, it's generally accessible by car. Parking is often available on nearby streets, and staff can assist with directions.
Yes, parking is typically available, often including street parking around the stadium. Staff are known to be helpful in guiding visitors to parking spots.
As it's part of Long Beach City College, general campus directions apply. Using a GPS with the college address will guide you to the vicinity, and then look for signs for Veterans Stadium or follow local guidance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are generally required for specific events like theater productions or sporting matches. For swap meets or car shows, entry fees may apply at the gate. It's best to check the event organizer's details.
The stadium itself doesn't have fixed public operating hours as it's primarily an event venue. Hours are dictated by scheduled events, such as theater performances, sports games, or swap meets.
Entry costs vary significantly depending on the event. Some events might be free, while others, like theater shows or specialized meets, will have admission fees.
For many events, tickets can be purchased on the day of the event, especially for local productions or swap meets. However, for popular sporting events, pre-purchasing might be advisable.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
Veterans Stadium hosts a variety of events, including local theater productions, high school sports (like Millikan's promotion walk), soccer matches, and popular swap meets featuring classic cars and VW buses.
Yes, it's praised for its acoustics, offering clear sound for theater productions in a more intimate setting than larger venues.
The swap meets are extensive, offering everything from car and bike parts to clothing and accessories. They are a great place to find unique items and connect with enthusiasts.
Basic facilities are usually available during events, including restrooms. Food trucks are often present during larger gatherings like car meets and swap meets.
As part of a college campus, it generally adheres to accessibility standards. Specific needs should be confirmed with event organizers if required.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Food trucks are frequently available during events like car meets and swap meets, offering a variety of options.
Policies on outside food and drinks can vary by event. It's advisable to check with the specific event organizer beforehand.
The food trucks at swap meets typically offer standard event fare, such as snacks, meals, and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique atmosphere of classic car shows, the energy of local sports events, or the intimacy of theater performances. The VW Bus meets offer particularly photogenic vintage vehicles.
General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits, especially during organized events. Check with event organizers.
Daytime events, especially car shows and swap meets, offer good natural light. Evening events like theater productions can provide dramatic lighting opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to check the specific event details beforehand to ensure it's suitable for your children's age and interests. While not a dedicated children's attraction, the lively atmosphere of events like the swap meets can be an engaging experience for families looking for a local, casual outing.
🚗 Car & Motorcycle Enthusiasts
You can find everything from vintage car components to motorcycle gear and apparel. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts, find rare items for your projects, and get inspiration. The bi-weekly nature of some of these meets means there are frequent opportunities to visit.
🎭 Arts & Culture Aficionados
Keep an eye on local listings for theater troupes or community arts groups that might be using the stadium. It's a chance to support local talent and discover hidden gems in Long Beach's arts scene.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Veterans Stadium Experience: More Than Just a Stadium
Many visitors come specifically for the events held in its parking lot and grounds. The OCTO Bus meet, a gathering for Volkswagen Bus enthusiasts, is a recurring highlight, showcasing a variety of classic models and offering a swap meet for parts. Similarly, the bi-weekly swap meet is a sprawling market where attendees can find a wide range of items, from automotive parts to clothing and electronics, making it a treasure trove for bargain hunters.
Beyond these popular gatherings, the stadium also serves as a venue for local arts and culture. Its acoustics have been noted as surprisingly good for live performances, providing a clear and engaging experience for theater-goers. This makes Veterans Stadium a valuable, albeit often overlooked, spot for experiencing local Long Beach culture and community events.
Navigating the Swap Meets and Car Shows
Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with numerous vendors selling everything from vintage car components and motorcycle gear to apparel and collectibles. It's a place where you can strike up conversations with fellow enthusiasts, gain insights for your own projects, and potentially find that hard-to-get item. The presence of food trucks adds to the experience, providing refreshments for shoppers and vendors alike.
When attending, it's wise to arrive early, especially for popular events, to get the best selection and parking. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Keep an eye out for specific event schedules, as these meets are often held on a recurring basis, such as every two weeks.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit