The results of a $315 million renovation project will be unveiled Thursday at what is now known as United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
All of the seats have been replaced, handrails and new suites were added, and there are upgraded entryways and video screens. The two-year project at the site of some of LA's most memorable sports moments reduced the landmark's overall seating capacity from 93,607 to about 77,500.
Here's a look at what fans can expect when they visit the historic sports venue.
- Additional aisles, widened seats and increased leg room in some sections
- A new south-side structure including suites, loge boxes, club seats, a concourse and press box
- Restoration of the peristyle to resemble its original design
- Updated WiFi technology
- Additional concession stands
- Electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems
- New field and stadium lighting
USC football coach Clay Helton and athletic director Lynn Swann, will join Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and County Supervisor and Coliseum Commission President Janice Hahn to celebrate the stadium overhaul.
The Coliseum was built in 1923 and last underwent substantial renovations 20 years ago when $93 million was spent to repair damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The stadium has hosted two Olympics, two Super Bowls, a World Series, a papal Mass and visits by three U.S. presidents.
The Los Angeles Rams will play a game at the renovated facility before USC. The Rams will play host to the Denver Broncos for a preseason game Aug. 24. USC will open its season at the Coliseum the following Saturday, playing host to Fresno State.
United Airlines struck a naming-rights deal for the stadium last year, with original plans calling for the venue to be renamed United Airlines Memorial Coliseum. The change, however, sparked opposition from some veterans groups, who argued the stadium was originally dedicated as a memorial to veterans of World War I and that changing the name would dilute that dedication.
The airline and USC later revised the naming-rights deal in response to the concerns, agreeing to the moniker United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
