Big changes are in store for the Coliseum as USC unveils plans for major renovations and restoration of the landmark. The project will also reduce the seating capacity from 93,607 to about 77,500.
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The renovation is meant to, “ensure that the game-day experience provides all fans options to enjoy the stadium’s new amenities while recognizing the loyalty of our life long fans”.
If approved by the Coliseum Commission, the stadium, which has been home to USC football since 1923, will undergo a $270-million renovation starting in 2017.
Construction is not expected to begin until after the 2017 USC football season and could be completed by the start of the 2019 season. The Trojans would play at their home of over 90 years in 2018 as construction continued.
The renovation will be funded entirely by USC Athletics and not require any student fees or general university, local, state or federal funds. “Our Board of Trustees has enthusiastically endorsed our plans and we are pleased to now present them to the Coliseum Commission”. The Coliseum last had substantial renovations 20 years ago, when $93 million was spent to fix damages sustained during Southern California’s 1994 natural disaster; another $6 million was spent to construct a new press box in 1995. A new pressbox, new suites and a new stadium concourse will also be added, as well as new concession stands.
Every seat would be replaced, more aisles would be added and more leg room would be added for a few seats, according to plans submitted to the Coliseum Commission.
The student section is far more significant because those seats are behind the USC sideline and extend toward the 50-yard line.
Restoring the peristyle end to more closely resemble the Coliseum’s original design.
The sound system, Wi-Fi and video would be upgraded, along with new lighting in the stands and field, while historic features of the stadium would be retained.
The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are planning a shared stadium in Carson, near Los Angeles, if both teams fail to get new stadiums in their current hometowns.
The university says it will raise private funds to pay for the renovation of the facility, which was built in 1923.
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The Coliseum now is participating in a “zero waste initiative” in conjunction with USC’s Office of Sustainability and the Green Sports Alliance.
