USC unveils $270-million renovation plan for Memorial Coliseum

Under USC’s lease agreement with the Coliseum commission, a government entity established in 1945 under a joint powers authority agreement among the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County and the California Science Center (state of California), it is required to invest $100 million toward stadium improvements by 2054, including $70 million in the next 10 years.

If all of the plans are approved, the renovation would begin immediately after the 2017 season ended and would be completed by the start of the 2019 season.

The improvements to the stadium seating and aisles will reduce seating capacity from 93,607 to approximately 77,500.

USC announced its plans for the renovation to the famous Coliseum, that hasn’t seen any renovations in nearly 20 years, on Thursday, according to Jason Song of the Los Angeles Times.

The cost of the renovation will be covered using private funds such as “capital gifts, sponsorship revenue, non-athletic events and donor naming rights”.

The plan, which still needs approval by the Coliseum Commission, includes a new structure that will house a new press box, loge boxes, club seats and a new concourse. The other two-thirds will not require any additional donation, with USC officials saying they are “committed to providing affordable seating options” for fans.

Replacing every seat in the stadium and installing handrails throughout the stadium.

The student and band seats will not be relocated. USC will arrange construction so that the 2018 season can be played at the Coliseum without obstruction. But if a team like the San Diego Chargers or the St. Louis Rams were to move to the Coliseum on a temporary basis, they would likely move to their new stadium before the Coliseum is done with the renovation. 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 renovations, as shown in renderings, don’t substantially change the look and feel of the stadium, which has hosted USC football since it was built.