LOS ANGELES — The 2023 college football season marked a significant milestone for Andrew Gonzales, who purchased his first season tickets for the Southern California Trojans. He had intended to share the experience with his father, Ronnie, at the season opener on August 29, but Ronnie opted out. Instead, Gonzales’ wife attended the game, only to find herself struggling in the sweltering heat outside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Gonzales described his wife’s experience as emblematic of a larger issue, stating, “She was one of thousands.” The matchup against San Jose State drew a reported attendance of 51,144; however, many attendees felt the actual numbers were significantly lower due to the oppressive heat. The game, which was part of the Week 0 slate, quickly became a focal point of discussion in the college football community, with critics questioning why a storied program like USC failed to fill its historic stadium.
For long-time fans, the sparse crowd is seen as a temporary setback rather than a reflection of the fanbase's loyalty. Many supporters believe that the low turnout was influenced by a combination of factors, including the extreme weather conditions and the lack of a marquee opponent. USC's game against San Jose State was not expected to be a competitive matchup, especially following the cancellation of their traditional rivalry game against Notre Dame.
In conversations with USA TODAY Sports, several fans shared their thoughts on the attendance issue ahead of USC's Week 1 game against Fresno State on September 4. Of those interviewed, only two reported staying for the entire game against San Jose State. Mike Suda, a season ticket holder for half a century, left at the end of the third quarter, while Vince Dominguez, who has held season tickets since 2001, departed at halftime, both citing the extreme temperatures as the primary reason for their early exits.
The game kicked off at noon local time with temperatures soaring to 94 degrees, compounded by high humidity that created a heat index of 104 degrees. Such conditions are classified as dangerous by the U.S. National Weather Service, with the potential for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that they assisted 15 individuals during the game, with one person requiring hospitalization.
“A noon start in August in California isn’t a smart decision,” remarked Jeff Williams, a season ticket holder for 30 years. While some fans like Greg Terrell managed to endure the heat thanks to shaded seating, many others were not so fortunate. The consensus among attendees was that the combination of heat and a less-than-stellar opponent contributed to the low turnout.
Dominguez noted, “It’s just hot. Not a good opponent. If we had played Notre Dame, it would have been full. But with San Jose State, it’s expected to be a blowout. Why sit in the heat when I could be at the beach?” This sentiment highlights a broader issue within the culture of sports in Los Angeles, where fan attendance often hinges on the quality of the matchup and the performance of the home team.
Historically, USC has drawn large crowds when the team is competitive, reminiscent of the Pete Carroll era when the Coliseum regularly filled to capacity regardless of weather or opponent. However, under current head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have yet to make a significant impact on the College Football Playoff scene, leading some fans to question their investment in attending games.
Despite the criticism and scrutiny from outside observers, many USC fans remain optimistic about the future. They point to upcoming games against top-ranked opponents, including No. 2 Oregon and No. 1 Ohio State, as opportunities for the stadium to once again be filled to capacity. Last season, USC averaged an attendance of 67,783, placing them among the top 25 in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
As fans like Michelle Edwards assert, “There’s a huge group of devoted USC fans who have stuck by USC when they suck and when they can’t even have the opportunity to win a championship. We’re not going anywhere.” This unwavering support suggests that while the attendance for the season opener may have been disappointing, the foundation of loyalty among USC fans remains strong, hinting at a brighter future if the team can deliver on the field.
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