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10h ago

Empty Seats Shadow USC After Low Week 0 Turnout

A sparse Coliseum crowd has raised concerns that televised images could hurt USC’s recruiting, revenue and national reputation ahead of high‑profile home games.

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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows An elevated view of a football stadium packed with spectators in the stands, with players and staff on the sidelines and field, Image 2 shows A USC football player in a red helmet and jersey with the number 14 holding a football, Image 3 shows Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford wearing a black shirt, cap, and sunglasses, standing among players in white jerseys with red helmets
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A general view of the Tiger Squadron flyover during the playing of the national anthem before the game between the Southern California Trojans and the San Jose State Spartans, Image 2 shows A man in a light grey suit and patterned tie, with an earpiece, smiling and looking to the side

Overview

  • USC announced an attendance of 51,144 for its Week 0 opener on Aug. 29, but social‑media video and on‑site reporting showed large, visible patches of empty seats in the 77,500‑capacity Coliseum.
  • The low turnout was attributed to extreme heat and an early noon kickoff, with a reported heat index near 104 degrees and the Los Angeles Fire Department saying it treated 15 patients and transported one person to hospital.
  • USC issued a statement saying conditions affected attendance, coach Lincoln Riley called criticism a "false narrative," and alumni including Matt Leinart urged fans to return and support the team.
  • Friday’s Fresno State game on Sept. 4 looked better but remained well below capacity with estimates around 45,000, and USC officials and fans say upcoming matchups with Oregon and Ohio State will show whether the drop was temporary.
  • The episode matters because Los Angeles is a competitive sports market that rewards winning; USC averaged roughly 71,571 fans per game in 2024 and 67,782 in 2025, so sustained low turnout could affect recruiting, revenue and how the program is perceived nationally.