Tailgate FAQ

USC tailgates are different than most. Cars are allowed to park only in designated parking structures and tailgating is not permitted in the parking structures, therefore tailgating out of cars is not permitted. USC tailgating is picnic-style, and all tailgate supplies and equipment must be transported on foot from your parked vehicle to your on-campus tailgate location. Tailgate supplies cannot be driven to your reserved tailgate space.

Check out USC’s tailgating policy here!

Tailgating can begin no earlier than 6 hours prior to kickoff. All tailgating must end promptly at kickoff time.

The earliest campus will open on game day is 6am. For instance, if kickoff is scheduled for 9am, tailgating can start at 6am.

Reservations can be made online at least 3 weeks before game day. Approved permits are issued at least one week before game day. For questions, contact tailgate@usc.edu.

Yes, but a $15 late fee will be added.

Yes, all on-campus tailgates require a permit via the Game Day registration site.

The reservation includes access to a reserved space 6 hours prior to game time. Sizes and fees are based on LA Fire Marshal guidelines:

A $15 fee applies for each additional 50 people above 101 in Tier 6.
USC does not provide tailgate equipment/tents.
A $15 late fee applies to reservations submitted within 3 weeks before game day.

Submit written notice of cancellation or last-minute change requests to tailgate@usc.edu by 5:00 PM PDT on the Wednesday before game day. All reservations are non-refundable. If notice is not provided by the deadline and a space goes unattended, a $45 no-show fee will apply. Please see below for more information regarding No-Shows. Thanksgiving week Game Day information differs. Please see below in Special Game Days.

No, tailgate permits are non-transferable. The person requesting the permit is liable for the space and any damages.

Reserved spaces must be used for at least 2 hours to avoid a no-show fee. Our team monitors unoccupied spots and takes a photo approximately 1.5 hours before kickoff to verify no-shows. A $45 fee will be charged for no-shows. Notify the Game Day Team at tailgate@usc.edu if you cannot attend, so your space can be reallocated. On game day, our teams walk around campus and will take note of unoccupied tailgate reservation spots. The team will check these spots periodically and at approximately 1.5 hours prior to kick-off, our team will take a photo of the site, verifying that it was not used, and mark it as a no-show. A $45 No-Show fee will be charged to the reservation holder. Our goal is to avoid having unused reserved space. No-Show fees help to cover the cost of equipment and labor used in the plotting process. Tailgaters should notify the Game Day Team tailgate@usc.edu prior to game day if they are unable attend, so that the space can be made available to others on the waiting list.

Use your reserved space for the required time or cancel at least 48 hours in advance by emailing tailgate@usc.edu.

No, USC does not provide tailgate equipment. Tailgaters must bring their own supplies and set up/break down at kickoff.

For an additional fee, USC’s Department of Facilities Planning Management (FPM) can provide a 20-amp electrical supply. This must be paid for during the tailgate registration process.

No, tailgating is not permitted on-campus for weekday games.

Portable restrooms with ADA access are available throughout campus. Some buildings are unlocked with restrooms available for guests to use.

Yes, families are welcome. The Trojan Family Game Day Experience in Alumni Park offers a family-friendly environment with live games, food, and beverages available for purchase. Parking is $40 on game day and is paid upon entry at the campus gate kiosks. General public parking is available on a first-come first-served basis.

No, parking is not included. Parking costs $40.50 on game day and is available on a first-come, first-served basis at parking structure throughout campus. See the Getting Here page for more info.

RV and oversized vehicle parking is not available on campus. Tailgaters with RV’s or trailers will need to inquire with Athletics regarding options available near the Coliseum.

The USC ticket office opens 3 hours before kickoff. If available, tickets can be purchased there. For questions, please contact the Ticket Office.

Approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.

Fire extinguishers can be checked out with a valid ID from the DPS tent on the south side of Hahn Plaza on Trousdale.

Yes, pets are allowed on leashes. However, the campus is crowded on game days, which may make pet supervision challenging.

Yes, the libraries are open on Game Day for student use. Guests must present a valid ID to enter.

Yes, cancellations and last-minute changes for Thanksgiving weekend games must be made by 5:00 PM PST on the Monday before game day. After this deadline, the $45 no-show fee applies.

Register at alumni.usc.edu/homecoming. Vendors must also complete product registration forms. For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 213-740-2300 or alumni@usc.edu.

Only USC school organizations with proper permits can sell food, drinks, and merchandise to their invited guests. Permits must be submitted at least 2 weeks before game day and approved by all USC departments. Non-university-affiliated groups may not sell or distribute products on campus during game day.