The San Francisco call., 1896-08-07
The new VELODROME,
An Auditorium With Seating
Capacity for Twenty.One
Thousand People.
Structure to Be Finished for the
Thanksgiving Football
Games.

The Velodrome to be established on the
land of the Van Bergen estate near the
panhandle of Golden Gate Park will
largely increase the amusement resources
of San Francisco.
1t was noted IN THE CALL yesterday
that the Velodrome Company had been
incorporated by J. D. Gibbs, Cress Unger,
]. Buckman, L. Calisher and William H.
Chapman.
Speaking of the proposed establishm mt
]. D. Gibbs, one of the leading promoters
of the enterprise, yesterday said that
ample capital was available. The plan to
lease the land and inclose large area for
amusement purposes and speed contesus
was formed some time ago, but the de-
tails were kept as nearly secret as pos
sible until the articles of incorporation
were filed.
A space 400 by 275 feet will be inclosed
and seating capacity for 81 900 people
will be provided. There will also be ac-
commodations for 110o horses. A lease OF
the land fer seven years has been taken
with an option to extend it for second
term OF seven years.
The main feature of the Velodrome will
be the inclosure of the area of land and
the cons truction of roof of glass and iron
over all the inciosed space. 1t is pre-
sumed that the roof will be constructed
on the cantilever principle, as there will
be no supporting columns to mar the
speed tracks or obstruct the view of the
audience.
The work of building the structure will
be pushed forward rapidly so that the
Thanksgiving football game may take
place at the Velodrome, from which point
five car lines radiate.
In due time negotia tons will be opened
with the Olympic Club for the privilege of
putting in pipe to connect with the
main pipe from the ocean which supplies
the club with salt water.
The Velodrome Company proposes 10
offer rooms to each bicycle club of San
Francisco on certain conditions. 1t will
be possible for every wheelman TO keep
his wheel there and have his bicycle suit
in the locker. When it is desired to ride
through the park the wheelman can step
aboard the streetcar. go to the Velodrome,
don his bicycle clothing, make the run
through the park to the ocean, return to
the Velodrome, take bath, change
clothing again and return home.
Under the present conditions the salt
water bath taken at Sutros is in the
middle of the drive, whereas at the VeIo-
drome the salt water bath will come at
the finish.
Under the great roof there will be six
lap track for bicycles, straieht-away
track OF 100 yards, handball court, riding
academy, lawn tennis court, cafe, a vast
auditorium and a spacious stage.
From the East and Europe amusement
directors have telegraphed for opportuni-
ties to present novel attractions. A COM
bination scheme of scenic railway and
chutes, which has proved immensely
popular in Paris. may be secured. The
facilities for presenting novel entertain
ments on large scale have been provided
for in the plans. 1t is said that Willis
Polk has been engaged to prepare the
designs and super1ntend the building of
the structure. A lease to Siebe 81 Green
for advertising privileges has been effected.
The terms of the contract are such that the
Velodrome Company has cash to begin
work without selling stock. 1t is surm;sed
that the Market-street Railway Company
is interested in the project.