If you thought LA traffic couldn’t get any worse, this weekend’s traffic proved that it can.
At a glance:
- USC’s game against Rutgers saw a disappointing turnout due to intense Los Angeles traffic.
- Multiple major events, including the World Series and Lakers game, clogged the city’s roads.
- The Trojans’ recent losing streak and four-loss season didn’t help draw fans to the stadium.
USC’s home game at the Memorial Coliseum on Friday night turned into a ghost town as fans opted to avoid the city’s notorious traffic jams. The Trojans, who defeated Rutgers, were left playing to mostly empty stands thanks to a convergence of major events around Los Angeles, including Game 1 of the World Series.
Compounding the problem, USC’s season has taken a nosedive. After dropping their fourth game of the year at Maryland last week, playoff hopes vanished, and fans began to lose interest. Some former players have even called for Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s dismissal, further contributing to the disinterest.
The low attendance on Friday wasn’t just about the Trojans’ poor performance. Los Angeles was buzzing with other major events, all contributing to a traffic nightmare. Dodger Stadium hosted the first game of the World Series, the Lakers played the Phoenix Suns at home, and concerts from David Gilmour and Jeff Lynne were drawing crowds to different venues. The East L.A. Classic, a popular high school football showdown between Garfield and Roosevelt High, also took place at SoFi Stadium.
For a city already known for brutal traffic, adding six high-profile events on the same night brought gridlock to a new level. Roads were jammed well before rush hour, and by the time kickoff came around, most fans had decided to stay home.
In the end, the USC Trojans had to fight not just the opposing team but also the empty stands—a stark reminder that in Los Angeles, traffic can sometimes be a more formidable opponent than any on the field.
