USC Football Game Day Guide: Visiting The LA Coliseum

The start of the 2023-24 college football season is just a few weeks away, and fans across the country are gearing up for the action.

In California, the USC Trojans start their season on Saturday, Aug. 26 with a home game against San Jose State.

This season marks the 100th year that USC football has called the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum home, first playing there in 1923. If you’re planning on attending any Trojan games this season, PlayCA has you covered.

While fans can’t legally bet on sports in California, they have plenty to look forward to this season.

To get you ready for the action, PlayCA has put together a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about visiting the LA Coliseum on game day during the 2023-24 season.

Getting to the LA Coliseum

The LA Coliseum resides at 3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA, 90037. It’s located close to I-110 and I-10 in Exposition Park.

There are many modes of transportation that you can use to get to the Coliseum. However, to best avoid traffic and parking delays, using public transportation whenever possible is highly recommended.

Metro E Line

Fans can use the Metro E Line, which has two stops adjacent to the Coliseum that are less than a five-minute walk to the stadium gates.

The Metro E Line runs from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica. It is accessible at the Expo Park/USC and Expo/Vermont stations.

Its patrons can transfer from the Metro B and D Lines at 7th St./Metro Center in downtown Los Angeles. Riders on the A Line can find the Metro E Line at these stations:

Little Tokyo/Arts District
Historic Broadway
Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill
7th St./Metro Center
Pico Station

It’s wise to purchase a $3.50 roundtrip option to avoid lines.

Metrolink

The Metrolink is another option. In total, there are 62 stations in the counties surrounding the LA Coliseum.

You’ll want to first take your route to the LA Union Station (LAX). From there, transfer to the Metro E Line or Metro J Line. It’s free to transfer.

Fans can also take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. You can get to the stadium from the Central Cost, Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley, Orange County and San Diego County.

From LA Union Station, you can transfer to either the Metro Red/Purple Line and then transfer once more at 7th/Metro to the Expo Line.

Taking the bus

If you’re coming from south of the stadium, the Metro J Line might be your best option.

You’ll want to exit at 37th St/USC station and then walk a few blocks on Flower Street to arrive at the Coliseum.

Use what3words to find your gate

The Coliseum uses the what3words app to help fans find their specific parking lots and entrance gates. The app makes it easy to find your way around in the madness of game day.

Every 10 square feet around the stadium has its own unique what3words address, which will point you in the right direction upon arriving.

Be sure to download the app prior to game day.

Parking at the LA Coliseum

If you choose to drive to the stadium, there are a number of parking options surrounding the LA Coliseum.

On-campus parking

The university encourages fans without season parking passes to park on the USC campus on the north side of the Coliseum. From there, it is a short walk through Exposition Park to the stadium gates.

Parking on the USC campus is $40 per vehicle and is cashless. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lots open six hours prior to kick-off.

Text2Park

If you’re parking on campus, you’ll want to use the Text2Park app. All you’ll need is your phone, your license plate number and a credit card and you’re all set. On-campus lots use license plate reader technology, so make sure you enter it correctly.

When you arrive at your spot, simply text the location code, which is by the elevator or stairs, to 25023.

The five on-campus parking structures that use Text2Park are:

McCarthy Way Structure
Figueroa Street Structure
USC Shrine Structure
Jefferson Structure
Grand Avenue Parking Center

Exposition Park

Fans without parking passes looking to find a spot closer to the Coliseum can park at Exposition Park.

The main lot at Exposition Park is Orange Structure, which is located off S Vermont Ave. This lot is open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis.

This is where you’ll want to park if you are driving a bus or RV.

The Yellow, Pink, Gold and Green Lots are south of the stadium just off W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The Blue Structure resides close to S Figuero St. However, parking in all of these lots is only available for purchase by Trojan Athletic Fund members and other existing permit holders.

ADA accessible parking

Accessible parking for fans is located in Exposition Park.

These spots cannot be reserved in advance and are available on a first-come first-serve basis. You’ll need your state-issued placard and a valid ID.

From there, a parking employee will show you to your spot.

Tailgating at the LA Coliseum

Tailgating is part of what makes college football so special. The LA Coliseum has plenty of tailgating location, including:

On-campus tailgating

You must have a permit to tailgate on the USC campus. To get started with the process of obtaining a permit, email [email protected].

On-campus tailgating opens six hours prior to kick-off on game days.

REVELxp premium tailgating

Fans can also book a premium tailgate package through REVELxp. This tailgating area is located on Christmas Tree Lane.

REVELxp’s hospitality packages include all you need to have a great tailgate. Tents, tables, chairs, TVs and coolers are all provided.

It opens six hours before kick-off.

Trojan Family Game Day Experience

The Trojan Family Game Day Experience offers a family-friendly approach to tailgating. It is free and open to the public.

Centrally located in Alumni Park, this tailgate area is found in front of Doheny Library and across from Tommy Trojan. Families can relax and enjoy outdoor TV with tables, chairs and a wide variety of food and beverages that are available for purchase.

The Trojan Family Game Day Experience opens four hours before kick-off.

Trojan Fan Fest

Another free tailgating option for fans is located east of the Coliseum on Christmas Tree Lane and is known as the Trojan Fan Fest presented by LyfeLaw.

This area offers food trucks, a Coors Light Beer Garden, music, giveaways and interactive games for all ages.

Trojan Fan Fest opens three hours before kick-off.

Selecting your seats

With a capacity of 77,500, there’s no shortage of seating options for fans taking in a USC football game at the LA Coliseum.

The stadium has undergone some major renovations over the years, and each project aimed to make the fan experience even more enjoyable.

Premium seating

The Coliseum has plenty of VIP seating to offer, housing more than 1,100 club seats and 24 loge boxes.

VIP seating can be found in sections C401–C412 and 203A–210B. There is also VIP private entrance for premium ticket holders.

Midfield seats

Sitting at midfield at the LA Coliseum offers some of the best views of the action. If these seats interest you, explore sections 106B, 107A, 121B and 122A for some of the best midfield seats.

Additionally, seating is available with endzone suites and the scholarship club tower.

Student section

The student section starts at section 123A and goes until section 228.

Students will enter through Gate 28 to access their seats.

Finding your gate

The historic LA Coliseum offers three levels of seating: 100s, 200s and 300s.

If you’re sitting in sections 100-103, 200-203 or 300-303, you’ll want to enter using Gate 1. Sections 104-107, 204-207 and 304-307 should use Gate 4 to enter the stadium.

Gate 8 takes care of those sitting in sections 108-112, 208-212 and 308-312. For those sitting in sections 113-119, 213-219 and 313-319, use Gate 19.

Gate 23 is where you’ll want to enter if you’re sitting in sections 120-124, 220-224 and 320-324. Gate 28 is the entrance for fans sitting in sections 125-129, 225-229 and 325-329.

And again, you can use the what3words app to better find your gate.

Not a USC football fan?

Visitor seating is an option, too. Opposing fans will sit in sections 101, 102, 200, 201, 202, 300A, 300B, 301 and 302.

For more information regarding seating at the Coliseum, call (866) 214-2100.

ADA accessible seating

USC and the LA Coliseum aim to fulfill the needs of all fans.

The Coliseum’s accessible seating sections offer in-seat service for those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Mobility-impaired fans can enter every gate for their section, as each one has a priority line.

If you are needing additional assistance heading to the upper level seats, escalators are located adjacent to Tunnels 4, 11 and 19. In addition, Tunnel 13 is for accessible access only.

The Coliseum also has plenty of handrails and additional aisles to make it easier for those who have difficulty walking or getting to their seats.

While the LA Coliseum does not provide rental wheelchairs or scooters, you can charge yours at the West Administration Building if needed.

Reserved seating in accessible sections can be made prior to game day through the USC Ticket Office. Simply call (213) 740-GOSC. Reserved seats are available on a season or individual game basis, based on availability.

Best food at the LA Coliseum

With USC’s fast-paced offense on the field, you might not have time to grab a bite to eat, but you might as well try. If one thing is for sure, you won’t have any shortage of options,.

The Coliseum offers fan favorites including nachos, burgers, hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, ice cream and candy. These stadium classics can be found throughout the stadium at various concession stands. The stadium also has vegan and gluten-free options as well.

Some of the best food choices include:

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich (Located near Gate 23)
Jumbo dog (Located by Gates 4, 8 and 19, and in-between Gates 23 and 28)
Margherita pizza (Located at the Heritage Concourse)

Just remember — the stadium is cashless, so you’ll need a card in order to purchase food or drinks.

Outside food and drink is not permitted, either.

LA Coliseum bag policy

You can bring bags into the LA Coliseum, so long as they abide by the stadium’s bag policy.

Fans are able to bring in one clear bag, as long as it does not exceed 6″ x 12″ or 12″ x 12.” A one-gallon clear plastic storage bag is also acceptable.

Fans are also able to bring a small clutch bag or purse, but it must be approximately the size of a hand and without a handle or strap.

Backpacks, briefcases, fanny packs and coolers are not allowed. Any sort of oversized seat cushions, computer or camera bags aren’t allowed, either.

What does it cost to see a game at the LA Coliseum?

As with any sporting event, ticket prices to USC games at the Coliseum vary depending on a variety of factors. Most notably, ticket prices vary depending on the opponent and where your seat is located.

According to TicketSmarter, the average cost to attend a live event at the LA Coliseum is $273.56. However, most tickets start around $75.

Seats located higher up are always the cheapest option. Often times, you can find tickets to a USC football in the 300 level for as low as $26. In fact, tickets for the season opener on Aug. 26 against San Jose State are available for $26.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how much it would cost for four people to attend a USC football game this season at the Coliseum:

Tickets: $300 (four $75 seats)
Parking: $40
Total: $340

Food and drink will add more to this total, depending on what you get.

Fight On!

If you’re a college football fan, USC’s “Fight On!” song is one of the most historic and recognizable songs in NCAA history. Written in 1922 by Milo Sweet, it’s a marching band classic for USC fans.

New to the traditions? Here are the lyrics so you won’t miss a beat:

Fight on for ol’ SC
Our men fight on to victory
Our Alma Mater dear,
looks up to you
Fight on and win for ol’ SC
Fight on to victory
Fight on!

As this song plays, fans will point two fingers to form a letter “V.” This two-finger salute symbolizes a fight for victory.

Non-football watching activities at the LA Coliseum

Tour the Coliseum

In town for a few days before or after a USC game? LA Coliseum tours are available Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

A typical tour lasts 75 minutes, and tour-goers will have time in the locker room, be able to run onto the field through the player’s tunnel, and take plenty of photos and videos.

If you have a party of more than 30 people, you must schedule a private tour.

It is important to note: This is a walking tour, so be sure to wear sturdy and comfy shoes.

Natural History Museum and California Science Center

Outside the stadium, fans can also visit the Natural History Museum.

The Dinosaur Hall gives patrons the ability to go back in time and see skeletons of some of the biggest predators in history. A new exhibit, LA Underwater, focuses on prehistoric aquatic life.

The California Science Center is another educational activity, just a few steps from the Coliseum.

Fan etiquette at the LA Coliseum

If you’re attending a USC football game, the program wants you to cheer loud and proud. However, lines shouldn’t be crossed.

Always cheer and celebrate responsibly. For starters, don’t use any sort of profanity, offensive language or obscene gestures. The same goes for anything written, such as signs.

When it comes to alcohol, never drink more than you can handle. If you’ve had an excessive amount of alcohol to drink or participate in any sort of a fight, you will be escorted out of the stadium by security personnel.

Rooting against the Trojans?

That’s totally OK, and in fact, it’s welcomed. That’s the fun in sports.

However, the same rules listed above apply to you. No need to taunt or use any sort of foul language in an opposing stadium.

Choosing your uniform number

USC has a rich history of fielding top talent in college football. If you’re attending a game and looking for a specific jersey to wear, here’s a look at some of the best (both past and present):