Where Does USC Play Football? Home Stadium Info

By Sarah Miller · April 1, 2051

USC plays football at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, located in Los Angeles, California. This historic stadium has been the home of the USC Trojans since 1923 and is shared with other major events and teams, including occasional use by the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Chargers.

History of USC Football and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

The University of Southern California (USC) has one of the most storied college football programs in NCAA history. Central to its legacy is the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where the Trojans have played their home games for over a century.

A Century-Old Home Field Advantage

Since 1923, USC has called the Coliseum home, making it one of the longest continuous tenures for a college team at a single stadium. The venue was originally constructed in 1923 and has undergone multiple renovations to preserve its historical significance while modernizing fan experience and infrastructure.

Opened: 1923
Original capacity: ~75,000
Current official football capacity: 77,500
Location: 3911 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Shared use: Hosted Olympic Games (1932, 1984), Super Bowls, MLS, and NFL games

Why Does USC Play at the Coliseum Instead of On Campus?

Unlike many major college programs that have on-campus stadiums, USC plays off-campus at the Coliseum. Several factors explain this arrangement:

Historical precedent: The Coliseum was already a premier sports venue when USC began using it in 1923—before most universities built large on-campus stadiums.
Urban campus constraints: USC’s campus in South Los Angeles lacks the space required for a stadium of this size.
Prestige and tradition: Playing in a landmark stadium adds to the program’s national profile and heritage.
Revenue and accessibility: The Coliseum offers superior public transit access and larger seating capacity than an on-campus facility could accommodate.

Stadium Features and Fan Experience

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering fans a unique game-day atmosphere.

Key Amenities and Upgrades

A $315 million renovation completed in 2019 enhanced seating, added premium club spaces, upgraded Wi-Fi, and restored iconic architectural elements like the peristyle end zone.

Tommy Trojan Gate entrance honors school spirit
Digital video boards and sound system improvements
Luxury suites and USC-exclusive Heritage Club
Public art and monuments celebrating USC football legends

Feature	Detail
Official Name	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
USC Tenure	1923–Present (102 years)
Capacity (Football)	77,500
Surface Type	Bermuda Grass (natural turf)
Record Attendance (USC Game)	104,953 (vs. Ohio State, 1965)
Renovation Cost (2019)	$315 million
NFL Teams Hosted	Rams (1946–1979, 2016–2019), Chargers (2017–2019)
Olympic Games Hosted	1932 Summer Olympics, 1984 Summer Olympics

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data highlights the Coliseum’s dual role as both a collegiate football powerhouse and a multi-purpose historic landmark. With over 100 years of operation and hosting events from Olympics to Super Bowls, its continued use by USC underscores the program’s deep integration into Southern California’s cultural fabric.

Future of USC Football Venues

As USC prepares to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024, questions arise about long-term stadium plans. However, no changes are expected to the Coliseum arrangement in the near future.

Big Ten expansion: Despite conference realignment, USC will remain at the Coliseum through at least 2030 under current agreements.
On-campus discussion: While speculative talks about building an on-campus stadium exist, logistical and financial challenges make it unlikely in the next decade.
Coliseum lease extension: USC and the Coliseum Commission signed a long-term agreement extending usage rights beyond 2028.

About USC Football: Common Questions

What is the name of USC's football stadium?

USC plays at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, commonly referred to as the LA Coliseum or simply “The Coliseum.”

How many people can the Coliseum hold for a USC football game?

The official seating capacity for USC football games is 77,500. The all-time record attendance was 104,953 during a 1965 matchup against Ohio State.

Is the Coliseum owned by USC?

No, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is owned and operated by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, a joint powers authority between the city and county of Los Angeles. USC is the primary tenant.

Does USC plan to build a new football stadium?

There are no current plans to build a new stadium. USC renewed its long-term agreement to play at the Coliseum through at least 2030, ensuring continuity despite conference changes.

Can fans tour the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum?

Yes, guided tours of the Coliseum are available through the Coliseum Authority. Tours include access to the field, press box, and historical exhibits highlighting USC football and Olympic history.