USC is rolling out a noticeable batch of changes for game days at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum after asking fans for feedback following the 2025 season and again this summer.
The athletics department said it collected more than 6,000 responses on arrival, entry, seating, concessions, staff, technology and atmosphere, along with more than 2,000 responses about the ideal Coliseum game day experience. That input is now feeding a slate of updates for the Trojans, who went 7-0 at home last season.
Among the biggest additions: a new in-stadium host, new food items, fresh promotions, and a new family ticket package. USC is also planning to honor several championship teams and student-athletes during three home games this season.
The women’s tennis team will be recognized during Saturday’s season opener for winning a Big Ten regular-season title, the program’s first Big Ten championship and its first conference title since 2015. On Sept. 12 against Louisiana, USC will honor the women’s water polo team, the men’s water polo team and the men’s and women’s track and field teams.
The women’s water polo team won an NCAA championship, the men’s water polo team won the MPSF Tournament, and the track and field teams were highlighted for an NCAA championship in the women’s 4x100-meter relay along with Big Ten indoor and outdoor event titles for sprinters and throwers. The women’s golf team will be honored on Nov. 21 against Maryland for a Big Ten Tournament championship and NCAA regional championship.
USC is also adding two pregame fireworks shows, set for the 90-minute mark and the 60-minute mark before kickoff. The school is urging fans to get there early because of normal Los Angeles traffic and ongoing construction on the outside of the venue.
Food options are getting an upgrade too. The Coliseum will keep familiar staples such as the All-American Burger, The No.
39, Asada Fries, Fight On Fries, the Fight On Sandwich, Chicken & Waffles, Coach's Chili Fries and a Mushroom Torta, while adding a rotating “Dog of the Game.” For Saturday’s home opener against San Jose State at 12 p.m.
PDT on NBC, that item will be the Kimchi Dog, described by the school as an “all-beef Hoffy hot dog on a potato bun with kimchichurri and gochujang aioli.” USC also said fans can expect a new dessert stand on the Heritage Concourse, new in-seat service for club members and souvenir items that include the Carne Asada Fries Drum Bucket, a commemorative Popcorn Bucket, a beverage jug and a sword-style beer vessel.
The Trojans will also have a new face handling the in-stadium production. Hayley Elwood, a KTLA reporter and anchor with more than a decade of live event and broadcast experience, will serve as the in-stadium host for the 2026 season. USC said it is unclear whether DJ Mal-Ski will continue providing live music in the stadium.
There’s also a new option for families. The Fight On Family Plan pairs four tickets with four hot dogs and four soft drinks starting at $199 per game for the Sept. 12 game against Louisiana and the Nov. 21 game against Maryland. USC said the limit is two packages per account per game, and the first 100 buyers for each game will be entered into a drawing for on-field family photos, pregame field passes and a family shoutout on the videoboard.
On top of that, USC is offering a menu of one-game experiences tied to the Trojan Athletic Fund and USC student-athletes. Fans can buy a personalized message on the Coliseum video board, field-level access for photos and time on the field, exclusive sideline access an hour before kickoff, a chance to run out of the tunnel with the team, or the chance to spend the fourth quarter from the sideline. USC noted that all participants must be in USC apparel.
Promotions will change from game to game as well. Saturday’s opener is the Sustainability game centered on Zero Waste, with a video board message encouraging fans to take part.
The Sept. 4 game against Fresno State will include a halftime drone show. The Sept. 12 game against Louisiana is Joint Forces Day and High School Band Day, with more than 5,000 service members and their families receiving complimentary tickets and students from more than 40 high schools joining the Trojan Marching Band at halftime.
Other home dates carry their own themes. USC will have a Cardinal Out against Oregon on Sept. 26, with 40,000 towels handed out at the gate.
The Oct. 3 game against Washington is homecoming. Halloween against Ohio State will be Trojan Family Weekend, with families welcomed to campus and the Coliseum and 40,000 towels distributed upon entry.
The Nov. 21 game against Maryland will be Senior Day, Fan Appreciation Day and the Los Troyanos theme, with ticket packages for that theme set to be announced in October.
USC’s mobile app has also been rebuilt for the upcoming season through a partnership with Sidearm Sports. The app is designed as a one-stop shop for scores, content, tickets and USC gear.
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