Aloha Stadium's Original Employee Reflects on 48 Years of Memories

Aloha Stadium, a cornerstone of Hawaii's sports and entertainment scene, is set for demolition after nearly five decades of service.

 

Among those bidding a heartfelt farewell is Pam Self, a 69-year-old resident of Aiea, who has been with the stadium since its inception in 1975.

 

"The day the doors opened here in Aloha Stadium, I was here," Self reminisced.

 

"I loved it. Still remember. Still feel...happy."

 

Starting as an usher, Self witnessed a myriad of events, from electrifying concerts by Bruno Mars, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson, to thrilling baseball games featuring the Hawaii Islanders.

 

"It's fun being here. Meet a lot of people, see a lot of people," she said.

 

"Baseball games, that was the best. Watching the Islanders, and we come in, work three, four nights in a row, take two days off, come back in, work another three, four nights. But you got to know all the regulars that came in for the baseball games, all the regulars that came in for football."

 

One of her most cherished memories is watching soccer legend Pele play in the stadium's inaugural soccer match.

 

"It was fantastic to watch this man run this field, do a back kick into a field goal," Self recalled.

 

Reflecting on the stadium's impending demolition, Self expressed mixed emotions.

 

"It's been a long time coming, long time coming," she said.

 

"But aloha Aloha Stadium, thank you for the 48 years that I worked here."

 

The stadium's closure marks the end of an era for many, but the memories created within its walls will endure.

 

As the community prepares for the next chapter, the legacy of Aloha Stadium and its dedicated staff like Pam Self will remain a cherished part of Hawaii's history.