By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Allegiant Stadium will be the host of a major college football game to start the season in 2024 when LSU and USC square off in a neutral-site showdown.
The game is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in three years, airing on ABC or ESPN. The date and time will be determined at a later time.
“We are excited to announce this historic matchup that is sure to attract the sports world’s attention,” said John Saccenti, Vegas Kickoff Classic and SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl executive director. “Las Vegas is known for its big events and the Trojans vs. the Tigers kicking off the 2024 college football season at Allegiant Stadium may be the biggest game the state of Nevada has ever seen.”
USC (Pac-12 Conference) and LSU (Southeastern Conference) have met only two times previously as the Trojans defeated the Tigers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1979 before LSU took the rematch in Los Angeles in 1984, according to a news release on the 2024 LSU-USC game. LSU has never played a game in Nevada, while USC appeared in two Las Vegas Bowls (2001 and 2013) at Sam Boyd Stadium.
“We are excited to participate in a matchup that will certainly be the marquee season opening game of the 2024 season,” USC athletic director Mike Bohn said in the media release
“It is a priority for us to deliver games that will energize our fans, and we are thrilled to bring this event and opponent to the west coast in a world-class facility and attractive location for our supporters. When our players choose to be Trojans, they know they will get to experience competition on the nation’s grandest stages, and this historic Vegas Kickoff Classic will be yet another such opportunity — USC athletic director Mike Bohn
“The opportunity to bring our team and the best fans in college football to Las Vegas is incredibly exciting,” added LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. “We cannot wait to compete on the field and fill Allegiant Stadium with Tiger fans from across the country.”