What you need to know for USC 2026 home football game days

A new season of USC football is right around the corner: The season opener against San José State kicks off at noon Saturday. As always, traditions (like winning) are what make game day at USC special. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to know to enjoy what many Trojans consider to be the most wonderful time of the year.

How to get game tickets

• Visit the USC athletics website for ticketing options.

Getting there on USC game days

• If you’re driving, leave early and allow lots of time to find parking.
• Drivers are encouraged to plan parking in advance. Guests may use mobile phone payments to pay for parking at the following USC parking structures (first come, first served): Downey, McCarthy, Jefferson, Figueroa and Grand Avenue.
• Prepaid parking for on-campus (USC Shrine, Royal Street and Flower Street structures) and off-campus (Exposition Park and nearby lots) is available through JustPark.
• For additional parking information, including parking options and directions, visit the USC Trojans Game Day Parking & Transportation page.
• Fans are encouraged to take the Metro E (Expo) Line directly to one of the three stations serving USC: Expo/Vermont, Expo Park/USC or Jefferson/USC, or other transit options such as the Metro J (Silver) Line.

Game day on campus

Reservations and regulations:

• A tailgate permit is required for all groups tailgating on campus. No walk-up tailgating is permitted.
• Tailgate reservations must be made three weeks prior to the game to avoid late fees.
• Reservations are for the campus grounds only and do not include parking or a space for a vehicle.
• Setups start six hours before game time, and tailgates must end by kickoff.
• Attendees must follow the Fan Code of Conduct and comply with all university policies and requests from USC staff and security officers, report inappropriate behavior to security personnel, exercise moderation in consuming alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking. Those found to be in violation of USC policies will have their future tailgating privileges revoked.
• Additional tailgating rules are online. 

Trojan Family Game Day Experience:

• Located in Alumni Memorial Park, across from Tommy Trojan in front of Doheny Memorial Library, the Trojan Family Game Day Experience is offered for every Saturday home game and is a great place to be if you want to have the tailgate atmosphere but don’t want to bring all the equipment.
• It includes games for kids and fans, big-screen TVs tuned to college games, plenty of tables and chairs, and a wide variety of food and beverages including soft drinks, beer and wine available for purchase.
• The area is open to the public.

Other information to consider:

• Glass containers are prohibited on campus. Use multiuse containers or cans.
• Tailgating and game day parking at USC Village is prohibited. Restaurants and shops are open for dining on all game days, but parking is reserved for shoppers and dining patrons only.
• USC is a smoke-free environment. The policy applies to lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, hookah or other lit products, and includes the use of any substance including tobacco, cloves or marijuana.
• Tailgate policies apply to on-campus gatherings. Similar procedures will apply within the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum fences but not at Exposition Park, which is not overseen by the university.

USC game day at the Coliseum

Parking:

• Most traffic into Exposition Park is right turn only. Left turn pockets will be closed.
• Exposition Park lots are permit only. There are no cash lots at Exposition Park during USC football games.

Inside:

• Be prepared for a metal detector screening and have items clearly displayed in a clear bag.
• Arrive at the gates no later than 30 minutes before kickoff.
• The Coliseum is cashless — only credit/debit cards and mobile pay are accepted.
• The Coliseum is a smoke-free venue — smoking, smokeless tobacco and smoking implements are prohibited in all areas of the Coliseum.
• Download mobile tickets to your wallet on your mobile device before arriving — screenshots are not accepted.
• Additional Coliseum information is available online.