USC set to open Rawlinson Stadium, new home of women's soccer and lacrosse
The first major piece of USC’s monumental Athletics West capital projects is set to be unveiled tomorrow as the USC Trojans’ women’s soccer team kicks off their season inside Rawlinson Stadium.
The $38 million investment in women’s athletics broke ground on April 10, 2024 but had been a five-year journey that resulted in what USC believes is the premier venue for women’s soccer and lacrosse in the Big Ten.
The stadium increases capacity significantly from former Soni McAlister Field, which held just under 1,000. Rawlinson Stadium capacity is a total of 2,500 on game days with 2,200 fixed seats. There are spectator viewing decks and several social spaces — including one directly behind one of the end lines — that enhance the experience and USC hopes will create an atmosphere unlike any other in the conference.
The field is natural grass and the stadium now boasts an LED video board and, most importantly for players and coaches, field lights that will allow USC to play night games. That is a significant boost to USC’s ability to host televised games and head coach Jane Alukonis said it definitely helps with recruiting.
“I think it’s the best stadium in college soccer,” Alukonis said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to play in a couple pro stadiums and I think this is on par, from the grass to the stands to every little bit of it. We’re just in love with it and so grateful to be in it.”
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The player area has separate locker rooms for soccer and lacrosse, with lockers designed specifically for each sport and with input from players and coaches. There are team meeting areas, a sports medicine space, nutrition fueling bar and stadiumwide audio system.
Rawlinson Stadium’s first game
The USC women’s soccer team will host Cal Baptist on Sunday at 5 pm. There will be a special ribbon cutting ceremony held at 3 pm to open the stadium.
USC opens the season No. 5 in the nation. It’s the same spot the Trojans finished the 2024 season. USC went 18-1-4 last season in the first year under Alukonis. They won the Big Ten regular season with a 10-0-1 record and earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans advanced to the Elite 8 before losing to No. 2 seed Wake Forest in penalty kicks.
Sunday’s game is officially sold out but the Trojans take on Pepperdine in a night game on Thursday, August 21 and also play at home against New Mexico State on Sunday, August 24 at 2 pm.
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