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Los Angeles Coliseum renovations pitched by USC

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations from USC would upgrade the fan experience with new seating, increased leg room and a new structure on the south side of the iconic stadium featuring suites, club seat, a new press box and loge boxes.

The $270-million project would be raised by USC from private sources, sponsorships, donations from Trojan Athletic Fund members and the potential sale of naming rights. If approved by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, construction would begin after the 2017 USC football season and completed for the 2019 football home opener, without impact to the 2018 season.

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

“We are committed to providing our players, coaches and fans with one of the best facilities in the nation,” said USC Athletic Director Pat Haden in a press statement. “This needed renovation to a stadium built in 1923 will ensure that the game-day experience gives all fans options to enjoy the stadium’s new amenities while recognizing the loyalty of our long-time fans. It also will provide our football team with a first-class facility and a home-field advantage.”

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

The Coliseum opened in 1923, and the USC Trojans have played there since an October 6, 1923 debut, with the program moving from Bovard Field. The Coliseum last had substantial renovations 20 years ago, when $93 million was spent to repair damages sustained during Southern California’s 1994 earthquake and then another $6 million was spent to construct a new press box in 1995. Prior to that, the Coliseum underwent $15 million in renovations in 1993 when the stadium’s floor was lowered, new rows of seats were added down low and locker rooms and public restrooms were upgraded.

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

The full list of proposed changes:

  • Replacing every seat in the stadium and installing handrails throughout the stadium.
  • Adding aisles, widening seats and increasing leg room in many sections.
  • Building a new structure on the south side of the stadium that will include suites, loge boxes, club seats, a new concourse, and a new press box.
  • Restoring the iconic peristyle to more closely resemble the stadium’s original design.
  • Updating Wi-Fi technology throughout the venue.
  • Improving audio and video, including two new large screens at the east end of the stadium.
  • Adding new concession stands, and improving existing stands.
  • Upgrading entry concourses.
  • Installing new field and stadium lighting.
  • Replacing the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems to meet current standards.

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

The improvements to the stadium seating and aisles will reduce seating capacity from 93,607 to
approximately 77,500. Student and band seats will not be relocated and USC will work to upgrade the student experience.

Proposed Los Angeles Coliseum renovations

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August Publications