BC Celebrates Grand Opening of Renegade Athletic Complex and Honors Coach Carl Bowser
Thursday, June 12, 2025
On June 11, 2025, Bakersfield College (BC) celebrated a significant milestone with
the official ribbon cutting of the new Renegade Athletic Complex, followed by the
dedication of the weight room in honor of legendary coach Carl Bowser. The event,
held on the Panorama Campus, showcased BC's commitment to enhancing student-athlete
experiences and honoring its rich athletic history.
The Renegade Athletic Complex, a 58,904-square-foot facility funded by Measure J,
is designed to support BC's growing athletic programs. The complex includes a full-size
basketball court, locker rooms, a sports therapy wing, concessions, and more, providing
state-of-the-art resources for student-athletes. This facility underscores BC's dedication
to fostering teamwork, competition, and growth among its students.
Following the ribbon cutting, BC formally dedicated the weight room as "The Carl Bowser Performance Enhancement and Training Facility," a name approved by the Kern Community College District Board of Trustees in October 2023. This dedication honors Coach Bowser's remarkable tenure as BC's head football coach from 1984 to 1994, during which he led the Renegades to a 83-31-3 record, six Western State Conference titles, and a 1988 National Championship victory. His legacy continues to inspire both current and future generations of Renegades.
The ceremony was attended by BC leadership, KCCD leadership, faculty, students, alumni,
and community members, all coming together to celebrate the college's rich athletic
history and its promising future. The event concluded with guided tours of the new
facility, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the resources now available to
BC's student-athletes.
As BC continues to invest in its facilities and programs, the Renegade Athletic Complex
stands as a symbol of the college's commitment to excellence, community, and the enduring
spirit of the Renegades.
