USC and UCLA have each announced plans to open their football stadiums to 100 percent occupancy this fall in the wake of California announcing a “full-scale” reopening Tuesday.
What that means in a sporting sense is all venues in the state can return to full capacity effective immediately, prompting each university’s announcement.
A more cautious approach to openings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been par for the course for schools in California, and for the state itself. That makes this announcement more noteworthy than most, though infection rates have been on the decline in the state as vaccination rates have risen. A reported 40.7 million doses have been given in California to date.
“We are excited to welcome back students, alumni and fans to the Rose Bowl and our other outside sporting events,” UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond said. “Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged to provide the safest environment for everyone. We will continue to follow local and state health and safety protocols in order to maintain a safe environment for our fans.”
“We are beyond excited to welcome the Trojan Family back to the Coliseum for the first time since 2019,” said USC AD Mike Bohn in a statement. “Our home games were not the same last year, and the gameday experience at the Coliseum is so special primarily because of the fans. Our players and coaches can’t wait to see fans and family in the stands and that energy is a difference-maker for us on the field.”
USC home games have a full capacity of 77,500 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while the Rose Bowl can seat up to 80,000 fans.
The college football season gets underway in Los Angeles Aug. 28 with UCLA’s opener against Hawaii at the Rose Bowl. USC opens play at the Coliseum Sept. 4 against San Jose State.
–Field Level Media