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Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum - home of USC in Los Angeles, CA
NCAA FBS

Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles, California

USC

👥
Capacity
77,500
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1923
🌱
Surface
Grass

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📖About Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, "The Greatest Stadium in the World," is a National Historic Landmark built in 1923 as a WWI memorial. With 77,500 seats, it's the only venue to host two Summer Olympics (1932, 1984) and will host a third in 2028. USC has played 647+ games here—third most for any program at its home stadium.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1923 as a living memorial to WWI veterans. USC played its first game October 6, 1923, beating Pomona 23-7. Originally 76,000 seats, expanded to 101,000 for the 1932 Olympics. USC took over management with a 98-year lease in 2013.

Major Renovations

1932Expanded to 101,000 for Summer Olympics
1993Floor lowered 11 feet, track removed, 8,000 seats added closer to field
1994$93M earthquake repairs after Northridge quake
2019$315M renovation: Scholarship Club Tower, 1923 Club rooftop, capacity to 77,500

Notable Moments

1947Record college football crowd of 104,953 for USC game
Mar 29, 2008Guinness World Record: 115,300 for Dodgers vs Red Sox exhibition
2028Will host third Summer Olympics opening/closing ceremonies

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Club 400 sections offer padded seats and climate-controlled lounges. The 1923 Club rooftop terrace has 360-degree LA views. Lower bowl sections added in 1993 put you closest to the field. The Scholarship Club Tower has luxury suites and loge boxes.

Parking Tips

USC campus lots ($50, cashless, first-come) are best—walk through Exposition Park. Shrine Auditorium garage is cheaper with easier exit (1-mile walk). Metro E Line stops at Expo Park/USC or Expo/Vermont—park at outlying stations free. Rideshare pickup on Vermont Ave.

Game Day

Watch the USC marching band at Tommy Trojan statue 2 hrs before kickoff, then follow them to the stadium. Clear bag policy enforced. No re-entry allowed. Tailgating on campus requires $20 reservation near Tommy Trojan. Post-game, hit The Fields LA food hall next door or head to L.A. Live downtown.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The 901 Bar & Grill

$$

Legendary USC bar across from "The Row." Popular with young alumni and students.

📍 0.5 miles901 W Jefferson Blvd

💡 Known as "The 9-0." Gets packed on gameday.

The Study Hall

$$

Modern sports bar near campus with a large craft beer selection and elevated pub food.

📍 0.6 miles2827 S Figueroa St

💡 Wide selection of local IPAs. Great for watching morning games before heading to the Coliseum.

🍽️Restaurants

McKay's

$$

Sports-themed lounge with USC memorabilia. Buffet or à la carte options.

📍 0.4 miles3540 S Figueroa St

💡 Classic gameday favorites. Great USC atmosphere.

The Fields LA

$

Food hall next to Coliseum with various stalls including Burritos La Palma.

📍 0.1 miles3939 S Figueroa St

💡 Perfect for quick pre/post-game bites. Right by stadium.

Chichen Itza

$

Acclaimed Yucatecan restaurant inside Mercado La Paloma. Regional specialties like cochinita pibil.

📍 0.8 miles3655 S Grand Ave

💡 Some of the best Mexican food in LA. Casual but incredible quality.

🏨Hotels

USC Hotel

$$$

The only hotel located directly on the USC campus, offering unparalleled proximity to the stadium.

📍 0.4 miles3540 S Figueroa St

💡 Formerly the Radisson. Books up almost a year in advance for big Rivalry games.

JW Marriott LA Live

$$$$

Upscale downtown hotel connected to L.A. Live entertainment complex.

📍 2 miles900 W Olympic Blvd

💡 Easy Metro access to stadium. Great for combining games with LA nightlife.

🎭Attractions

Tommy Trojan Statue

$

Iconic USC landmark. Band gathers here 2 hours before kickoff.

📍 0.5 milesUSC Campus

💡 Follow the band march from here to the stadium.

California Science Center

$

Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Located within Exposition Park, steps from the Coliseum.

📍 0.1 miles700 Exposition Park Dr

💡 The Endeavour exhibit is a must-see. Admission to the museum is generally free but requires a reservation.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

USC Campus Lots

$50
Lot📍 0.5 miles

💡 Cashless, first-come. Walk through Exposition Park.

🅿️

Metro E Line

$2.25-3.50
Lot📍 Various

💡 Expo Park/USC stop is right at stadium. Free parking at outlying stations.

🅿️

Natural History Museum Lot

$40-50
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Located within Exposition Park. Very close but fills up early.

Suggest a Tip

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.