Fox Analyst Klatt Blames Low USC Turnout on Southern California Weather Sensitivity

Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt has offered a blunt assessment regarding the sparse attendance at the recent USC Trojans home opener, attributing the empty seats to the region’s low tolerance for heat. The commentary comes after viral images circulated on social media showing a largely empty Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the team’s Week 0 matchup against San Jose State.

Speaking on his podcast, The Joel Klatt Show, the analyst argued that while factors such as an early kickoff time and a non-conference opponent played a role, the primary deterrent was the 94-degree weather. Klatt stated that residents in the Los Angeles area are “soft” regarding temperature fluctuations, noting that conditions above 90 degrees feel unbearable compared to the region’s typically mild climate.

The visibility of the empty stands prompted a response from USC’s athletic department. Officials acknowledged the specific circumstances affecting the weekend’s turnout but emphasized the importance of crowd support for the team’s competitive standing. The university expressed hope that attendance figures would improve as the season progresses and the schedule shifts to more prime-time matchups.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges for college football programs in large markets where fan engagement competes with a plethora of entertainment options and comfortable home-viewing environments. For Fox Corporation, the atmosphere at live events serves as a backdrop for its sports broadcasting content. The media giant, currently trading with a market capitalization of approximately $29.57 billion, relies on the broader popularity of college football to drive viewership for its cable network programming segment.

What to watch

• USC’s upcoming home game against Fresno State for potential changes in attendance figures.
• Fox Corporation’s future sports rights negotiations and broadcasting strategy.

Source: original release