Coliseum eager to host Trojans, Rams amid renovation project

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In Hollywood, even a 95-yearold celebrity isn’t too old for a facelift.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is getting much more than a little cosmetic work done, however. The University of Southern California is just past the halfway point of a two-year, $300 million renovation project that will add dozens of modernizing features to the venerable arena that hosted the first Super Bowl and two Olympics — with a third on the way in 2028.

“You’re going to look around the bowl and see this isn’t the place that your grandfather came to,” said Kevin Daly, the Coliseum’s director of events and customer service. “We’re elevating the experience.”

But while the workers work throughout the fall and winter, the Coliseum’s annual show must go on.

The Trojans and the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams are sharing the arena for the third straight year, and the festivities begin with a visit Saturday from the Oakland Raiders, who also called the Coliseum home from 1982-94.

At least 15 football games will be played on this active construction site over the next five months, but USC and the Rams are determined to keep their homefield advantage. They’re also eager to let their fans know that while construction will limit the amenities inside the stadium and the available parking and tailgating opportunities outside, a little preparation can prevent them from going home unhappy.

“We’re excited about what’s happening, and it will be a great experience for our football team,” USC athletic director Lynn Swann said. “There could be some growing pains, but I think we’ll get through that.”