No Alcohol Sales Inside Coliseum

An agreement not to sell alcoholic beverages inside the Coliseum during USC home games has been finalized, the general manager of the stadium said Tuesday.

The top-ranked Trojans play their home opener Saturday against Arkansas.

“We’re all set,” Pat Lynch said. “We will not be serving.”

USC President Steven Sample announced in June that the sale and possession of beer or other alcoholic beverages would no longer be allowed because of increased surliness, foul language and other behavior that was harming the atmosphere.

Bernard C. Parks, a Los Angeles city councilman and a member of the Coliseum Commission, said at the time that the commission was not opposed to the plan, under one condition: “That the Coliseum be made whole as it relates to the revenue loss.”

On Tuesday, Lynch would not specify when the agreement had been reached.

“Recently,” he said.

Lynch said no formal document was in place and said that no specific dollar figure had been agreed upon, “but we have an understanding on all issues.”

Meanwhile, USC announced that Aramark, a concession company, would sell beer provided by one of the school’s corporate sponsors outside the stadium.

Jose Eskenazi, an associate athletic director, said the setup was similar to those at several Pacific 10 Conference stadiums where beer is not sold inside.

The temporary facility will be located near the intersection of Figueroa and 39th streets and will accommodate nearly 1,000 people, Eskenazi said. It will be open three hours before game-time and close before kickoff.

Asked if selling beer outside the stadium was at odds with the university’s request to ban alcohol sales inside, Eskenazi said: “What we’re doing is not outside the norm.”

USC, which set attendance records the last two seasons, was the only Pac-10 school -- and one of only a few nationally -- that allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages inside the stadium at home games. Several Pac-10 schools allow alcohol to be sold in buildings near their stadiums.

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Safety Darnell Bing did not practice again because of a hip injury suffered against Hawaii on Sept. 3.

Carroll said Bing might play against Arkansas if he practices today, but “if he waits till Thursday probably not. He might not make it back.”

Sophomore Josh Pinkard is set to start in place of Bing. Freshman Kevin Ellison also could play in the rotation with Scott Ware.

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Carroll said earlier this week that freshman linebacker Brian Cushing was among those who took a step forward during off-week practices.

But Cushing, who forced a fumble against Hawaii, suffered a setback Tuesday when he left practice early because of a dislocated left shoulder.

Punter Tom Malone, who limped off the field Monday because of pain from a lingering hip injury, kicked and said he would play Saturday.

Fullback Brandon Hancock (ankle) did not practice and said he would learn results of an MRI exam Tuesday night.

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USC officials said about 3,000 tickets remained available for the Arkansas game, but the game is expected to be a sellout.... USC and the Los Angeles Sports Council are accepting donations for the “Touchdown for Youth” program. A $25 tax-deductible contribution will allow an underprivileged youngster to attend Saturday’s game and receive refreshments. Information: (213) 482-6333.... USC student-athletes will man booths at the Coliseum to collect cash donations to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.