Painting the seats of history
As Snapdragon Stadium took shape, I had the chance to make a bold, creative mark on its story. As part of a multi-year campaign to generate excitement and sustain interest in SDSU’s new stadium, I had the opportunity to create a hand-painted mural on a set of original seats from Jack Murphy Stadium (the stadium that Snapdragon was replacing). This project brought together my love of painting and the chance to memorialize a piece of local history.
The mural was a celebration of Aztec pride and a nod to the legacy of the stadium it replaced. I painted the SDSU Aztec football team emerging from the tunnel, hyped and ready to charge onto the field. The folding seat became an extension of the action, with the turf seemingly spilling out from the scene and onto the seat’s surface. Painting a flat image on a three-dimensional object requires a careful balance of creativity and technical precision, and I loved every second of it.
The project took over 20 hours to complete. As I worked, I found myself reflecting on the significance of Jack Murphy Stadium to the San Diego community. For decades, it hosted countless games, concerts, and memories. Transforming a set of its original seats into a vibrant piece of art felt like giving it a second life.
When the mural was finished, it became part of a giveaway to a lucky fan. Knowing that my work would help someone keep a tangible piece of the old stadium was incredibly rewarding. It was a small but heartfelt way to bridge the past and future of San Diego sports culture.
This project wasn’t just about painting a mural; it was about preserving memories, celebrating a community, and contributing to the excitement surrounding Snapdragon Stadium. It reminded me of why I love what I do: the ability to tell stories and evoke emotions through art, even on unexpected canvases.
