Where does USC play football? The Trojans have called the LA Memorial Coliseum their home since 1923, when they played the first varsity game ever held in the historic stadium. But after more than a century in Exposition Park, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are forcing USC to relocate—likely to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
🔥 Quick Facts
- USC has played at LA Memorial Coliseum since October 6, 1923, when the Trojans defeated Pomona College 23-7
- The Coliseum’s capacity for football is 77,500, making it a mid-sized Power conference stadium
- A $100 million Olympic track will be installed for the 2028 Olympics, making the field unusable until after USC’s September opener
- SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is the likely destination for the 2028 football season, pending final confirmation
A Century-Long Legacy at LA’s Iconic Coliseum
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The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has been the exclusive home of USC football for over 100 years. Built in 1923 as a memorial to World War I veterans, the stadium was revolutionary for its time. The Trojans’ inaugural game on October 6, 1923, drew a crowd of 12,836 fans watching USC dominate Pomona College.
Over those decades, more than 36 million spectators have watched the Trojans play at the historic venue in Exposition Park, adjacent to USC’s University Park campus. The Coliseum hosted two Super Bowls and served as home to the Los Angeles Rams from 1946 to 1979. The 1963 Billy Graham Crusade drew the largest-ever crowd at the stadium: 134,254 people.
Stadium Details and Modern Capacity
| Feature | Details |
| Stadium Name | LA Memorial Coliseum / United Airlines Field |
| Capacity | 77,500 for football |
| Year Opened | 1923 |
| Location | Exposition Park, Los Angeles |
| Historic Record Crowd | 134,254 (1963 Billy Graham Crusade) |
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The field was renamed United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2019. Before major renovations brought capacity down to today’s 77,500 seats, the stadium held 93,607 fans. The Coliseum underwent a $15 million renovation before the 1993 football season.
Why the 2028 Olympics Will Force USC to Leave
The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will use the historic Coliseum as a primary venue for track and field events. To prepare, organizers plan to install a $100 million Olympic-standard running track directly on the football field. This professional-grade track makes the field unsuitable for football until weeks after installation removal.
Since USC must open their 2028 football season in September, well before the Coliseum field can be restored, the university has no choice but to relocate for the entire season. A final decision remains pending, but multiple sources indicate SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is the most likely destination, with UCLA possibly joining USC at the facility depending on their own scheduling needs.
SoFi Stadium: The Likely New Home for 2028
SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, is the modern 70,240-capacity home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. The venue, which opened in 2020, represents a dramatic shift from the century-old Coliseum. Unlike the historic and intimate atmosphere of the Coliseum, SoFi features state-of-the-art climate control, cutting-edge video screens, and premium amenities.
The 2028 Olympics will use SoFi Stadium for the opening ceremonies, which co-hosts with the Coliseum on July 14, 2028. After the Olympics conclude, the Coliseum’s field should be fully restored, allowing USC to return for the 2029 season and beyond.
What Does This Mean for Trojan Football Fans?
For fans accustomed to the Coliseum’s historic charm and proximity to campus, a potential 2028 move to SoFi represents a significant change. SoFi Stadium is located in Inglewood, roughly 20 miles west of USC’s University Park campus, compared to the Coliseum’s adjacent location.
The upside is access to modern facilities with climate-controlled comfort, premium sound systems, and enhanced amenities. However, the Coliseum’s historic legacy and unmatched capacity for memorable moments cannot be replaced. No final decision has been officially announced, and it’s theoretically possible the field could be ready later into the 2028 season, allowing the Trojans to play part of their schedule at their traditional home.
Watch: Inside the Stadium Transformation
Sources
- CBS Sports – Coverage of USC’s potential SoFi Stadium move for 2028
- Los Angeles Times – Reporting on Olympic Coliseum preparations
- Sports Illustrated – Analysis of USC’s relocation options
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.