Should USC be looking to buy the LA Coliseum?

The LA Coliseum may be on the market.

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Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been working on a proposal to sell several of the state’s high profile buildings in an effort to reduce California’s swelling budget deficit. As a result of the governor’s initiative, it appears as if two of Los Angeles’s sports venues, the Coliseum and Sports Arena, are on the market, and many people are suggesting that USC would be the most likely buyer. It sure sounds that way:

“If that were the only way to ensure the Coliseum would be improved and maintained for its current uses, for the right price the university would have to consider it,” said Kristina Raspe, USC’s associate senior vice president for real estate and asset management.

First off, I’m not entirely sure that Arnold is able to sell the Coliseum in the first place. In 1984, the Coliseum became a National Historic Landmark, and as far an I am aware, you are unable to sell them to private industries, which would include USC. But if I am incorrect and you are able to sell it, than there is no question that USC should look into purchasing the Grand Old Lady. Yes, tt is old and worn down, but it does present some enticing opportunities for the university.

For starters, the Coliseum is arguably the most storied sports venue in the entire country. It has hosted Super Bowls, Olympics, and numerous USC and NFL games. But despite all of its tradition, the stadium has been allowed to run down over the past few years with the Coliseum Commission merely standing by.

If USC was placed in charge than they would be to renovate it in terms of adding new seats, bathrooms, and other modern amenities, while keeping the stadium’s capacity of 92,000, in tact. Additionally, the university could also claim the land next to the Coliseum, Sports Arena, parking lots, and the swim stadium. All of these could be used to build additional facilities for the athletic program. I don’t see what the Trojans really have to lose here.

Tyrone BriggsHall of Famer

174 days ago

Score 1

Evidently National Historic Landmarks can be privately owned. Source: http://en.wi...ric_Landmark

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The BeastAAA-er

174 days ago

Score 1

Okay, that makes sense. So I guess USC is able to buy. Thanks for clarifying.

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The oldest manVarsity

89 days ago

Score 0

SC hasn't got the money to buy the Coliseum and if they did and did it would put them into one of the largest debt amounts around. To much has to be done to make it safe and comfortable for all. The alumni may have the money but the university doesn't have the funds to complete a multi hundred million dollar sale and then spend multi hundred millions to improve it. Maybe I am wrong but one of my sons is a fairly large alumni member and he certainly doesn't want to put hundreds of millions into the purchase and improvement of the Coliseum. I figure it would take about 300 to 500 million plus to purchase and improve what is there. Not a good investment for anybody much less a private university with to an extend a limited budget and a down economy.

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