‘The seats were like hot plates’: Why USC’s Coliseum looked so empty Saturday

Key Points:

• USC's home opener against San José State saw notably low attendance, with only 51,144 fans announced, amid a 94-degree heat advisory that led many to leave early or avoid the game entirely.
• Fans struggled with extreme heat and lack of shade in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, an older venue not designed for such conditions, prompting USC to implement additional cooling measures and allow extra water.
• The absence of the traditional Notre Dame rivalry, now on hiatus, contributed to diminished fan interest, as the Spartans were a heavy underdog and less compelling opponent for a season opener.
• USC officials acknowledged the impact of weather and opponent quality on attendance but remain optimistic about future games and the program's long-term growth, highlighted by recent facility upgrades and top recruiting classes.
• Longtime fans expressed that the discomfort of extreme heat and the lack of a marquee opponent made enduring the game less worthwhile, suggesting attendance would improve with better matchups and more favorable conditions.