My friends and I will be attending the Northwestern-USC game at the LA Coliseum in November. I have been unable to get a straight answer from either USC or the internet to the following question: Does anyone know if one purchases a parking spot in the Coliseum Green Lot, does that entitle the person to be able to tailgate in the Green Lot? Is there a separate tailgating section within the Green Lot that requires one to purchase a specific tailgating spot?
Any assistance would be appreciated in answering this question.
I didn’t know as I haven’t been in SoCal since 2019.
so I asked ChatGPT… and, no,
@CoralSpringsCat , this wasn’t edited
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If you buy a
Green Lot parking permit for the Coliseum/Exposition Park during a USC football game, that
does entitle you to tailgate—but only within
your vehicle's assigned space, either in front or behind the car, with limited equipment (like a small canopy, grill, cooler, etc.) (
Los Angeles Rams).
Here’s how it works:
Green Lot Parking & Tailgating: What’s Allowed
Tailgating Allowed
- Tailgating is permitted in designated Exposition Park lots, such as the Green Lot, as long as you remain within your paid parking space—in front or behind your vehicle only (Reddit, Los Angeles Rams).
- You may bring a small canopy (up to 8×8 ft), grill (charcoal or gas), and tailgate gear. Charcoal must be elevated off the ground and disposed of properly. Glass containers and amplified music are prohibited (USC Athletics, Los Angeles Rams).
- Tailgating must cease by kickoff—no lingering or viewing devices after the game starts (stadiumparkingguides.com).
Campus Tailgating
- Tailgating on USC's campus lawns requires a separate tailgate permit/reservation, and is not connected to parking in Green Lot. Campus tailgating is entirely separate and involves picnic‐style gatherings away from your vehicle (Game Day on Campus).
Separate Tailgate Spots?
- There is no extra “tailgating space” sold within Green Lot—it’s simply parking spaces. No special tailgate-specific stall beyond your vehicle spot.
- If you want a full campus-style tailgate setup (with tent, tables, amenities), you’d need to purchase a Separate Tailgate Permit and locate on campus, not the Green Lot (USC Today, Game Day on Campus, Game Day on Campus).
In Summary
| What you purchase | Tailgating use |
|---|
| Green Lot parking pass | Tailgating allowed within your vehicle space only |
| Campus tailgate permit | Full tailgate setup on campus lawns (no vehicle) |
So if you purchase
only a Green Lot parking permit, you’re allowed to tailgate
only in your parking space. If you're looking for a more classic
campus tailgate, you'll need to secure a
separate tailgate reservation on the lawns, plus walk there from whatever lot you're parked in.
Bonus: Reddit Community Insight
According to USC fans:
“Can you tailgate in the parking lots of the Coliseum if you buy a parking spot?”
“Seems like it’s g2g as long as you don’t take up too much space!” (
Los Angeles Rams,
USC Athletics,
Reddit)
So yes—tailgating is generally fine within the bounds of your spot as long as you follow rules.
Final Tips
- Arrive early—Green Lot opens ~5–6 hours before kickoff.
- Bring compliant gear: plastic containers, canopy ≤ 8×8, covered grill, etc.
- Clean up afterward—no leaving trash behind.
- By kickoff, pack everything up and clear the area.
- If you want a larger tailgate setup, register separately for campus tailgating.
Let me know if you need help finding the tailgate reservation link or more game-day logistics!
