Brian Kennedy, a longtime donor to the University of Southern California, has filed a lawsuit against the school over the removal of the practice football field that bore his name for nearly 25 years. The dispute centers on USC’s recent construction of a new $200 million football facility atop the former practice field, which Kennedy says violated an agreement with the university.
Kennedy, a prominent Los Angeles billboard owner and former major booster of USC athletics, contends in the lawsuit that demolishing the field erased a visible symbol of his sustained support for the football program. The new Bloom Football Performance Center, slated to open in the coming weeks, replaces the practice field that featured "Kennedy Field" signage at the entrance. According to court documents, this has caused Kennedy "reputational harm," as well as "embarrassment" and "humiliation."
The complaint highlights Kennedy’s longstanding relationship with USC football, tracing back to 1998 when the university was seeking funds to build a new practice field for then-new head coach Paul Hackett. At that time, Kennedy stepped in to provide significant financial support after the university struggled to secure backing from other donors. Over the years, his contributions made his name prominently associated with the field and the broader athletics program.
Kennedy became a vocal supporter during USC’s successful era under coach Pete Carroll and remained involved in football discussions beyond donations. Notably, he has used his billboard network to campaign publicly for the return of former USC running back Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy, which was forfeited amid NCAA sanctions.
USC has not publicly commented on the lawsuit but is expected to defend the construction of the new facility, which the university has promoted as an investment to modernize and enhance its football program’s training resources. The Bloom Football Performance Center incorporates advanced training, medical, and practice amenities designed to bolster USC’s competitive edge.
The legal battle underscores tensions that can arise between universities and donors when institutional priorities evolve. Kennedy’s suit asserts that removing his name from the practice field disregards the recognition and legacy established through his financial support, while USC aims to move forward with updated facilities envisioned to maintain its football program’s prominence. The outcome of the case may carry broader implications for donor agreements and naming rights within collegiate athletics.