Soft launch for Galen Center
USC's new arena at Figueroa and Jefferson — just a few blocks from the old Sports Arena — receives its first crowd tonight for a volleyball match beteween the Trojans women and Stanford. It isn't actually done: only half the 22 luxury suites are ready, there are no coaches' offices and the match will be played on a basketball court. But at least it's something. The Galen Center is named for donor Louis Galen, who helped found Lynwood Savings, and his wife Helene. It will seat 10,258 (with 1,930 set aside for students) and accomodate the USC basketball teams as well as men's volleyball. There will be an adjoining practice facility large enough for all the teams to work out at the same time. The men's baseketball squad plays its first league game at Galen on Nov. 16. Before then, an Al Green concert is scheduled for Oct. 21.
Photo: USC