Navigating USC Shrine Parking: A Comprehensive Guide to Semester Passes

Understanding parking at the University of Southern California (USC), especially concerning the Shrine Auditorium area, requires navigating a system that has transitioned to paperless permits and utilizes both lottery and direct purchase methods. This guide provides a detailed overview of USC's parking policies, focusing on semester passes, the lottery system for high-demand locations, payment options, event parking, and transportation alternatives for events like Commencement.

Paperless Permits and Semester Considerations

USC Transportation has moved to a paperless system where your vehicle's license plate acts as your parking permit. Physical permits like stickers or hang tags are no longer issued. It's crucial to remember that student Fall permits do NOT automatically renew for the Spring semester. Each semester's parking needs must be independently considered and purchased.

Fall 2025 Parking Permit Processes

The process for obtaining Fall 2025 semester parking permits involves two primary methods: a lottery for high-demand locations and direct online sales for all other areas.

Lottery for High-Demand Areas

For Fall 2025, the online lottery/waitlist entry period for high-demand parking locations will be conducted from May 1-16, 2025. Winning the lottery provides the opportunity to purchase a permit in these coveted areas, but it does not mean the space is free. The specific high-demand areas requiring the lottery process are detailed in a table (though not provided here).

Direct Online Sales

Direct online sales for all parking locations other than the high-demand areas begin on May 19, 2025, at noon. Most Fall semester parking permits will be available via online sales beginning May 25th at noon.

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Purchasing and Payment Options

Permits purchased through the USC parking portal offer several payment options:

All major credit cards
USC pre-tax payroll deduction (for faculty/staff)
Transferring charges to the USC fee bill system (for students)

Cancelling a Parking Permit

The only way to cancel a permit you no longer want or need is to complete the online cancellation form. Cancellation forms are typically processed within one business day, so submit the form when you want your permit cancelled. Physical permits no longer need to be returned, and after June 30, physical permits are no longer issued. Prorated refunds for cancelled permits are based on the cancellation date, except during the final month of a semester when prorated refunds are not available.

Game Day Parking and Transportation

USC Transportation has integrated new parking processes and technology to improve the game day experience.

Event Parking

Event parking this season costs $50 per vehicle, with a $0.50 transaction fee for mobile payments. USC Transportation uses Text2Park technology, allowing guests to pay via their mobile device from their car by entering their license plate and payment details.

Access to Exposition Park Museums

Access to all museums in Exposition Park via the Figueroa Street entrance remains unrestricted during USC Football game day egress. Patrons should park in the parking garage off 39th Street/Figueroa Street.

Commencement Parking and Transportation

Getting to USC for Commencement is facilitated by various transportation options.

Parking Availability

Parking is free for guests attending Commencement-related activities in all USC-owned structures (on both campuses) from Wednesday through Saturday, May 14-17. However, there is no Commencement parking at USC Village, and parking on campus is extremely limited and fills quickly. Off-campus parking structures are recommended. Parking at the Coliseum is complimentary for those attending ceremonies at this venue from Thursday, May 15th, to Saturday, May 17th. For ceremonies at the Galen Center on Saturday, May 17th, parking is available in any open structure. Review the USC Commencement Transit and Parking map to locate these zones.

Public Transportation

The Metro Expo Line is recommended to avoid traffic and congestion around campus. LA Metro trains operate all day for Commencement attendees, with fares paid using TAP cards purchased at ticket vending machines or from Metro representatives.

Trams and Buses

Trams travel between campus and several satellite locations. Note that there is no scheduled tram service from any hotel in downtown Los Angeles. USC provides limited bus service between Union Station (Patsaouras Transit Plaza, Berth #4) and campus (Jefferson Boulevard at Hoover Street).

Understanding Automatic Renewal

Unless you purchase a product explicitly listed as “FALL ONLY,” it will renew automatically in the subsequent Spring semester. The dates listed on the permit are for the entire academic year, eliminating the need for a second permit in Spring. However, the date listed online in the portal and the related billing charges are provided on a per-semester basis for financial aid reasons.

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Lottery/Waitlist Process

If the location where you want to purchase a permit is a high-demand area where demand exceeds supply, assignments will be made through the waitlist/lottery process. Online registration begins May 1st.

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