In the midst of a California budget crisis USC decided to build the most comically over-the-top athletic center from sea to shining sea. Here are some images from the 70 million, 110,000 square foot facility; without which the entire program might have come tumbling down to mediocrity. All images are courtesy of USCTrojans.com, you can see a full photo gallery here.
The USC football team meeting room. Because what football team could learn without a mural of their cities skyline?
This is the atrium of the John McKay Center.
Find me the study hall on campus that has rosewood floors.
35 yards of indoor turf just because.
This is a beautiful weight room, but also the most “common” aspect of the facility.
I believe this is part of the trainers area – either that or a barber shop.
And if the facility doesn’t get the recruits, here is the vault where we keep all the money.
For those romantic walks to and from practice.
Celebrating a coach who cheated and then ran before sanctions came down on him, what a hero, lets make a plaque.
Ha, sweet picture.
And finally, what football facility would be complete without the outdoor firepit lounge?
Ian Gold
this is maybe one of the sweetest collegiate athletic facilities in the country, no wonder Barkley stayed for his senior season.
however, your point on this being built “amidst a california budget crisis” really has no foundation as USC is a private university and the building was probably entirely funded by alumni donations. what did you want, the university to give the state $70 mil just for fun?
Hi bshake, thanks for reading. I don’t see how a recruit could visit USC and not be blown away by the glitz and glamour (not to mention the scenery).
I realize USC is a private school, and the facility was funded by donors, but that doesn’t change what 70 million dollars means. You assume USC doesn’t need any repairs or upgrades, and the students don’t mind having their tuition impacted, and that 70 million dollars was a surplus.
In the midst of a struggling economy USC just built the Emerald City. Public or private, that matters – And 70 million was excessive. Check out what 30 million got Kentucky basketball. http://videos.kentucky.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1531900
Additionally, in the middle of a recession, it’s amazing what we’ll still spend exorbitant amounts of money on.