Located on Mt. San Jacinto’s Menifee Valley Campus, the HCN Bank Stadium, is bringing new life to athletes, students, and the community. After more than two years of construction and an investment exceeding $41 million, MSJC finally unveiled the new Athletics and Kinesiology Complex. The 5,000-seat HCN Bank Stadium was opened in the summer of 2023 and hosted its first football season last fall(2024). The complex was funded primarily through Measure AA, a $295 million facilities bond, approved by voters in 2014. College leaders say the new stadium is a cornerstone of MSJC’s vision for expanding opportunities for students and the community. “We’ve been looking forward to this project for years, so this groundbreaking is truly momentous for us and the community,” said Dr. Roger Schultz, MSJC Superintendent and President. “We’re excited to host graduation and watch games in the stadium, but we also can’t wait to host fundraisers and other events with our community partners. This is a game-changer.”

Groundbreaking for the stadium started in March 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic brought on supply chain issues, but despite different challenges, the three-story, 30,722 sq. ft. facility was completed on schedule and opened its doors to students in summer 2023. The stadium can host numerous events, such as football and soccer games, which can hold up to 5,000 people. For larger events, like graduations or concerts, the facility can host up to 20,000 people. The complex also has classrooms, team rooms, a fitness center, and outdoor courts/fields. 

In October 2023, the complex received another big boost when MSJC secured a $1 million, 10-year naming rights partnership with HCN Bank. This marked the school’s first naming rights agreement in the college’s history. College officials said the funds will help support scholarships, athletics, and continued campus development.

For student athletes, the stadium has offered more than just a new playing field but has also boosted recruitment and morale. Coaches and athletes emphasized how nice it is to finally have a true “home field.” When interviewing one of the football players, I was told, “It feels good to have a new fieldhouse and weight room. It makes me feel happier about playing football for MSJC”. The impact extends beyond athletics. Kinesiology students now use the facility’s classrooms, training spaces, and fitness center for their coursework. I asked one of my former Kinesiology professors, Trent Skinner, back in 2023, what he thought. Professor Skinner said, “It’s about time the kinesiology students are able to learn in a new and updated environment. The new stadium will maximize the way we teach future students.” Other faculty say the integration of academics and athletics was central to the project’s design. 

There are more benefits that the stadium brings beyond the campus. The stadium also represents a new gathering place for the greater community. MSJC plans to host concerts, cultural events, and high school sports in the future. Community leaders say the stadium enhances Menifee’s profile as a growing city.

As the first phase of MSJC’s long-term campus expansion plan, HCN Bank Stadium signals the college’s commitment to modernizing its facilities. For many, the project represents more than brick and mortar; it’s a statement of identity. “Our students now have a place to belong, to compete, and to celebrate,” said Dr. Schultz. “This stadium is for them, and for the entire community.”