Los Angeles Coliseum History

USC football has played an integral part in Los Angeles Coliseum history. Known by many as "The Grand Old Lady," construction on the Memorial Coliseum began in the 1920s. It was completed in less than two years, and on October 6, 1923, the Trojans played and defeated Pomona College, 23-7. In 1930, the city of Los Angeles received word that they would be hosting the Olympic Games in 1932. Many alterations were made to the Coliseum to prepare, including the addition of the Olympic torch about the peristyle, the placement of Olympic rings above the main entrance, and the expansion of the stadium's seating capacity from 76,000 to 101,000. The Los Angeles Coliseum also hosted the Olympics in 1984 and has been the home, at one time or another, of the Dodgers, the Rams, the Raiders, the Chargers, and even the UCLA Bruins football squad.

Los Angeles Coliseum History: The Olympic Torch

Built prior to the 1932 Olympic Games, the Olympic Torch has since become a vital part of Los Angeles Coliseum history. Even though the 1994 Bay Area earthquake forced many changes to the Coliseum, the Olympic Torch remains a symbol of a storied sporting legacy. It is lit during each and every USC home football game, as it was for each and every Ram and Raider game held in the venerable stadium. It has also been lit many times to celebrate special events, or to mourn the passing of great men and women. In 2002, the Olympic Flame was brought to the Coliseum and used to re-light the Torch on its way to the Salt Lake City Olympics. It was also lit for seven consecutive pays following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, then again following the deaths of California native Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, what had held mass inside Memorial Coliseum back in 1987.