UCLA has regained some access to its baseball stadium and practice field at the Veterans Affairs campus in West Los Angeles, following a ruling by federal judge David O. Carter on Monday.
Judge Carter accepted parts of UCLA’s proposal, allowing the university’s baseball team to continue using the facilities, which are leased from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The temporary access granted to the Bruins will last until July 4, 2025, giving the university time to determine its future plans after previously being ordered to vacate the premises late last month.
This new ruling requires UCLA to substantially increase its annual rent from $320,000 to $600,000, which the university must pay within the next two weeks. This adjustment emerges amid discrimination claims made by veterans who argue for increased housing support near the campus.
The roots of this legal battle trace back to November 2022, when the veterans filed their lawsuit. They contend there is a pressing need for more housing for disabled veterans who rely on VA medical services, particularly at the West L.A. campus.
During the hearing, Judge Carter questioned how the baseball fields fit within the broader needs for veteran housing. He expressed concern over the potential negative impact if the property remained unused, emphasizing the importance of generating revenue through the existing lease with UCLA.
Carter indicated he is also considering the broader picture, having previously ordered the construction of 750 temporary homes and 1,800 permanent units on or near the VA campus within the next 18 months. UCLA’s granted access allows the baseball team to continue training at Jackie Robinson Stadium, but the decision has sparked mixed reactions from veterans and advocates.
Rob Reynolds, a veterans advocate, voiced disappointment over the judge's decision, stating, “It’s just really unfortunate they’re coming back on and they’re only giving $600,000.” He compared this amount unfavorably to the salary of the team's head coach, John Savage, who earned $848,000 last year, according to University of California employee pay data.
Robert Canas, one of the plaintiffs and veterans living on the VA campus, expressed skepticism about the outcome, describing the arrangement as “terrible” and questioning the value of the rent increase. “$600,000 isn't a lot of money for the property and where they're at,” he remarked, adding, “I feel like where the field is could be veteran housing.” Despite his frustration, Canas maintained hope for finding solutions for the Bruins’ housing logistics for next year.
UCLA’s director of athletics, Martin Jarmond, expressed enthusiasm about the ruling, stating, “Our young men have been working hard and keeping a positive attitude throughout this period of uncertainty, and we are pleased they will be able to resume their regular training at the stadium.” Yet, this excitement is clouded by the looming possibility of needing to relocate, depending on the outcome of future negotiations.
Expert witness Steve Soboroff echoed sentiments of cautious optimism about reaching agreements beneficial for both UCLA and the veterans. “This is basically start looking for land, because we're not going to use this year, but we'll start next year,” he commented after the hearing. He urged both parties to work together to expedite housing completion for veterans.
The decision impacts the university’s baseball program significantly but also bears ramifications for the veterans advocating for improved housing conditions. With July 2025 set as the deadline for potential exit strategies, uncertainty looms large over the future of both UCLA baseball and veteran housing at the West L.A. campus.
While the university prepares to utilize the stadium for the upcoming baseball season, the stakes are high for veterans striving to secure their needs. They are contemplating both immediate housing solutions and the long-term vision surrounding the land usage.
UCLA's future at the stadium remains contingent not only on the outcomes of discussions between the university and veterans but also on the construction plans put forth by the VA. It’s this interconnectedness of interests—sports, housing, and veteran services—that will play out on this pivotal stage.
For now, UCLA baseball will resume activities at Jackie Robinson Stadium this season, marking another chapter in this continuing dispute. But how long will this chapter last, and at what cost to the veterans who advocate for their rightful services?