The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has carried that name since 1921 when it was commissioned to honor Los Angeles veterans of World War I. Now, thanks to a huge new sponsorship deal, USC announced the stadium will now be called United Airlines Memorial Coliseum.
USC President Max Nikias announces the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will be renamed the United Airlines Memorial Coliseum under a new naming rights agreement.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) January 29, 2018
As Darren Rovell of ESPN reports, the University of Southern California will be paid $70 million over the next 16 years by United Airlines.
The Coliseum has a new name. United paying $70 million over next 16 years. pic.twitter.com/3oaGOYIkMl
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 29, 2018
This news isn’t exactly being taken well by many, who are most definitely not in a cheering mood.
USC’s marching band began playing right after Nikias announced the naming-rights deal. One booster in the back: “I’m not clapping for that.”
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) January 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/wishboneoption/status/958077544762433536
Needless to say, this is a controversial, albeit lucrative deal made by USC that might take some getting used to for many. If that’s even possible.