Schedule Conflicts at Big A Wouldn’t Be Insurmountable

If USC reaches a formal agreement to play its 1993 home football games at Anaheim Stadium during the renovation of the Coliseum, it will be a September headache for schedule-makers.

It could be cured, however. Three teams--the San Diego Chargers, San Diego Padres and San Diego State football team--share San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in moderate comfort.

“It gets a little tricky in September,” said San Diego State Athletic Director Fred Miller, whose team was forced to play Cal State Long Beach on a Sunday this season. “We stubbed our toe a little bit on that one.”

At Anaheim Stadium, the Angels have scheduling priority, and a clause in the club’s lease prohibits football games on the field for the 36 hours preceding an Angel game.

But because USC has only two home dates in September, 1993--against Houston Sept. 4 and Washington State Sept. 25--the potential for conflict would be minimal.

“I’m sure the Angels will also help cooperate in making dates work for us,” said Greg Smith, stadium general manager, stressing that the Angels have first rights to dates.

Major league baseball schedules are not released until the winter prior to the season.

If the Angels were to reach postseason play, there could be potential for conflict with a scheduled USC home game Oct. 16 against Oregon State. There would be no conflict with the Rams’ schedule, and the Rams’ lease does not prohibit games the day before its own.

Kevin Uhlich, Angel director of facilities operations, said the club’s concern is mostly for field condition.

Although USC has not made a commitment to play its games at Anaheim Stadium and no terms have been reached, Smith said he expects a deal to be completed “probably in the next month or two.”

USC Athletic Director Mike McGee said the school has talked exclusively with Anaheim Stadium officials during the past six months.

The Raiders also will be looking for a home during Coliseum renovations, but Smith said Raider owner Al Davis has not negotiated with Anaheim Stadium.

Should USC play at Anaheim Stadium, Smith estimated the economic impact on the city would be between $500,000 and $600,000.