USC announces graduation party at LA Coliseum after canceling main stage commencement ceremony

LOS ANGELES - USC, which previously canceled its main stage commencement ceremony amid pro-Palestinian protests, announced plans Thursday to instead hold a "Trojan Family Graduate Celebration" next week at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The event will include "drone shows, fireworks, surprise performances, the Trojan Marching Band, and a special gift just for the Class of 2024," according to the university, which billed the event as a chance for graduates to "celebrate your accomplishments in a big way and come together as a Trojan Family."

USC's commencement season plans have been in turmoil since mid-April, when the university said it would not allow pro-Palestinian valedictorian Asna Tabassum to speak during the main stage ceremony, which traditionally draws more than 60,000 people to the campus' Alumni Park. University officials said the move was made due to security concerns following complaints about some of Tabassum's online posts that critics deemed to be antisemitic -- something she has denied.

Following a massive protest on the campus and an attempt by pro-Palestinian protesters to set up an encampment in Alumni Park, USC first scrubbed plans for any outside speakers at commencement, then it opted to cancel the event altogether.

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"We know many of you have had questions about why USC couldn't use the Coliseum for our main stage ceremony," according to the university's announcement of the Graduate Celebration. "It was the first place we looked -- unfortunately, it was fully booked. We also looked at many alternative arenas around Los Angeles -- which on such short notice had similar issues.

"We have been able to host this event -- and a couple smaller events - - because several groups adjusted their plans at the Coliseum to accommodate limited access for this special event."

Due to that limited access, the Graduate Celebration will be restricted to a portion of the Coliseum. 

All graduating students, attending commencement ceremonies, are required to reserve tickets for themselves and up to eight named guests. The tickets are free of charge.

Events taking place at the Galen Center, Shrine Auditorium, and USC Village Great Lawn will also have their own ticket – in addition to the USC Campus access ticket.

Graduates are expected to receive an email with ticketing information and other details.