Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Aug 29
Coliseum Eases Water Rules for 91-Degree USC Opener Against San Jose State
Updated
Updated · KABC-TV · Aug 29

Coliseum Eases Water Rules for 91-Degree USC Opener Against San Jose State

3 articles · Updated · KABC-TV · Aug 29

Summary

  • 91-degree heat is forecast for Saturday’s noon USC-San Jose State opener, prompting the Coliseum to roll out cooling measures for fans in its largely unshaded seating bowl.
  • The stadium will allow non-metallic bottled water with no size or quantity limits, plus empty refillable bottles for water stations near Concourse and Upper Concourse restrooms.
  • Free ice at permanent concession stands, cool-air fans at all gates, a shade tent at First Aid Gate 1 and bags of ice at four guest-experience points are also being added.
  • Officials urged fans to avoid alcohol, coffee and soft drinks, wear light clothing and sunscreen, and report heat-illness symptoms immediately; umbrellas remain banned for safety and sightline reasons.
  • The heat precautions come as USC opens its 2026 season as a 39-point favorite after a 9-4 campaign, while San Jose State enters after a 3-9 season.

Insights

How will a historic stadium's battle against a scorching heatwave test its readiness for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
Could the massive influx of outside water bottles threaten the Coliseum's strict zero-waste sustainability goals during the season opener?
As extreme weather worsens, are temporary heat-relief tactics enough to save historic open-air sports venues from becoming obsolete?