Since its inauguration in 1923, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has been the exclusive venue for USC football. No other major sports team in Los Angeles has called a single stadium home for as long. As the city prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, changes are looming for USC’s football program.
USC’s Potential Move to SoFi Stadium for 2028 Season
Reports indicate that USC may relocate its football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood during the 2028 season. The Coliseum will undergo significant modifications to accommodate the Olympics, leaving USC in search of a new home for its team.
Impact of Olympic Preparations on Coliseum
Currently, a $100 million temporary track is being constructed above the Coliseum’s field to facilitate track-and-field events at the Olympic Games. This construction is anticipated to hinder USC’s ability to host football games at the Coliseum for the 2028 season.
- The Paralympic Games will conclude on August 27, 2028.
- USC’s first scheduled home game is on September 9, 2028.
- There is only a two-week window to restore the Coliseum field post-Olympics.
USC’s discussions with LA28, the organizing committee for the Olympics, are ongoing, but no final decision has been announced. A USC athletics spokesperson stated that they are working closely with LA28 to finalize logistical details.
Challenges Facing USC in 2028
The timeline for conversion from Olympic use back to football ready is highly impractical. Reports suggest that the restoration of the Coliseum field could exceed the two weeks available before USC’s season opener. If completed, this would require complex logistics just to allow for a late-season return to the Coliseum.
SoFi Stadium as a Feasible Alternative
As discussions continue, SoFi Stadium appears to be the primary candidate for USC’s football games. This modern venue currently serves as the home for the NFL’s Rams and Chargers. Moreover, UCLA may also consider moving to SoFi Stadium, potentially leading to four major Los Angeles football teams sharing the same venue.
History of Coliseum and Team Relocation
USC shared the Coliseum with UCLA for over five decades before the latter transitioned to the Rose Bowl in 1982. The Coliseum has also hosted the Rams, and more recently, the Chargers, increasing concerns about space and scheduling for an additional tenant.
Although SoFi Stadium is being discussed as the temporary new home for USC’s football, the situation remains complex. The university has yet to make any definitive announcements regarding the relocation.
Conclusion
The future of USC football in 2028 hinges on the outcomes of discussions with LA28 and the logistical challenges of hosting the Olympics. As of now, SoFi Stadium remains the most viable option.
