The 2026 college football season commenced with USC securing a victory in their Week 0 game, but the contest was overshadowed by a significantly sparse crowd at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum. Fans took to social media to express disbelief and criticize the low turnout for the Trojans' matchup against San Jose State.
The 77,500-capacity Coliseum, a longtime home for USC football and the site of many memorable moments in the sport, appeared largely empty. Despite an official announced attendance of 51,144, local reporters estimated that fewer than half that number were actually present. Tickets for the game were reportedly available for less than $10 on resale sites prior to kickoff.
The low attendance occurred despite USC's decisive 42-26 win, bolstered by a dominant 28-0 lead at halftime. The opponent, San Jose State, was only added to the schedule in February after a controversial decision to pull the historically significant rivalry game against Notre Dame. A dispute over scheduling timing was cited as the reason for the cancellation, with the Week 0 slot reportedly proposed by USC but rejected by Notre Dame.
USC and Notre Dame have since agreed to resume their rivalry series starting in 2030, with games scheduled for Week 1 in 2030 and 2031, and flexible slots in 2032 and 2033. These future matchups are expected to draw considerably larger crowds.
Factors Contributing to Low Turnout
Beyond the change in opponent, extreme weather conditions were identified as a significant deterrent. The game kicked off midday, with temperatures reaching 94 degrees Fahrenheit and a perceived temperature of 104 degrees, accompanied by high humidity and no discernible breeze. Former NFL player Will Blackmon, who attended the game, described the conditions as "brutal" and difficult to endure, even in the first quarter.
USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley has previously emphasized the importance of team performance in drawing fans to the stadium. After the team averaged 67,783 home fans in 2025, Riley stated, "You have to win. You have to give them something."
Future home games against more prominent opponents such as Oregon, Washington, and Ohio State are anticipated to attract larger crowds to the Coliseum, which is also slated to host events for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Following the game, Riley acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in the fourth quarter, which he felt did not meet the team's standards. "Games like this, I take it for what it is. You don't hide behind the fact that the fourth quarter wasn't good enough and we're not going to pretend that we didn't dominate the game," he commented, underscoring the need for rapid improvement ahead of the next short week.
