USC responded Monday to the backlash over the lack of fans in the stands during Saturday's season opener, saying it hopes to see "increased attendance the rest of the season."
"We understand the factors that impacted Saturday's attendance," USC said in a statement to USA Today's Jordan Mendoza. "We have high expectations and a premier home schedule this season, and we know the competitive advantage an electric Coliseum atmosphere can provide our program."
The announced attendance for Saturday's game against San Jose State was 51,144 fans. However, pictures online at kickoff showed many empty seats, which didn't appear to match the school's reported number.
The Coliseum at kickoff of USC’s season opener with San Jose State pic.twitter.com/4bOhMY487b
— Ryan Kartje (@RyanKartje) August 29, 2026
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the Los Angeles region on game day, and temperatures reached 95 F, according to Weather Underground.
"I didn't like it. Being from Minnesota, snow games are my preference over the super hot games," USC defensive tackle Jide Abasiri said of playing in Saturday's heat, according to ESPN's Paolo Uggetti. "But staying hydrated throughout the week really helped me prepare for this game."
USC drew a reported 62,841 fans for last season's season opener against Missouri State, which started at 4:30 p.m. Saturday's attendance marks the lowest the school has reported since Lincoln Riley took over as head coach and the fewest since 2018.
The Trojans face off against Fresno State at home on Friday night.
