USC set to transition to SoFi Stadium for 2028 football season due to Olympic Games 2028
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has been the home of USC football since its opening in 1923. However, in 2028, USC may need to relocate due to the upcoming Olympic Games.
USC’s Upcoming Move to SoFi Stadium in 2028
Sources indicate that the summer Olympics will impact the Coliseum’s readiness for the college football season. A $100 million temporary track will be installed to accommodate track-and-field events at the Los Angeles Olympics, making it unlikely that the Coliseum will be available when the football season starts in September 2028.
Logistical Challenges with the Olympics
USC must navigate complex arrangements with the LA28 organizing committee regarding its football schedule. Athletic spokesperson Cody Worsham confirmed ongoing collaboration but stated that final decisions are pending.
- Coliseum’s closing ceremony for the Paralympic Games is scheduled for August 27, 2028.
- USC’s home opener is planned for September 9, 2028.
Only two weeks are available to remove the temporary track and restore the field to be ready for football activities. Experts consider this timeline unfeasible, making the move to SoFi Stadium a likely necessity for the team.
Historical Context and Other Teams’ Potential Moves
USC’s struggles with sharing the Coliseum have been a topic of discussion for years. The Trojans may now spend the entire 2028 football season at SoFi Stadium, which is also hosting NFL teams like the Rams and Chargers.
Meanwhile, UCLA plans to transition to SoFi Stadium, despite a lease agreement for its current facility, the Rose Bowl, until 2044. Ongoing legal disputes could complicate UCLA’s move, but if successful, four major football teams could share SoFi Stadium.
Challenges with Coliseum Renovations
The Coliseum underwent renovations in the early 1990s, limiting the field size for Olympic standards. Construction of the temporary track, which involves extensive logistical challenges, will commence after USC finishes its 2027 home games.
- The temporary track must fit in a tight space above the existing field level.
- Construction will scrape away the Coliseum’s turf to prepare for the new structure.
Bill Hanway from AECOM, overseeing these preparations, highlighted the complexity of the build in what he termed “an incredibly tight space.” The timeline for dismantling the track post-Games presents additional challenges for USC.
In summary, with the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, USC football is likely set for a new temporary home at SoFi Stadium. This transition highlights the complexities of managing multiple sporting events in a city renowned for its iconic venues.
