The term cross-town rivalry doesn’t accurately how interconnected these two fan bases are and thus the intensity of this annual rivalry. The two schools are both located in the city of Los Angeles with just twelve miles separating the two campuses. During a few seasons in the 1980s the two schools both played their home games at the LA Coliseum, and as a result, when they played each other both teams wore their home uniforms. This tradition was revived in 2008 despite the fact the two schools no longer share a venue. The winner of this annual matchup has been awarded the Victory Bell since 1941. USC leading the trophy series 39-31-4 although UCLA has won the last two meetings.
UCLA was originally founded as a branch of the University of California, so this rivalry takes the form of a sibling rivalry. The week UCLA plays Cal is known as ‘Cal Week’ and the two schools usually also play each other in other fall sports during this week. The two programs have played every year since 1939, with UCLA leading the all-time series 52-32-1.
Bruins Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The weather and scenery for tailgating at UCLA are absolutely gorgeous. Here you’ll find picturesque views of the San Gabriel Mountains and enjoy some of the best weather in the country, which is a far cry from the colder temperatures of the midwest. You’ll find that the Rose Bowl is located in a valley at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains providing you with excellent scenery that will surely enhance your tailgate experience. You’ll also find the typical Southern California palm trees as well as other species trees surrounding the stadium giving you a distinct California feeling.
Besides being an wonderful place to tailgate, UCLA has all of the things that you could ever want in a tailgate. Here you’ll find a variety of places to set up your tailgate as well as several tailgate parties to join, which is perfect if you’re traveling from far away. Tailgating at UCLA provides a plethora of pregame festivities and entertainment to take part in as well. There is the Bruin Walk, which allows fans the chance to get up close to the players before they take the field in addition to live music performed by the UCLA Alumni Band. You’ll have an absolute blast tailgating before entering the Rose Bowl to see an excellent game of football.
You won’t want to miss the Bruin Walk when visiting UCLA, as it’s your best chance to get up close with the players and coaches. Come out to the Bruins Walk to show off your UCLA pride.
Each year UCLA students hold a bonfire in anticipation for their big matchup with crosstown rivals USC. The bonfire is one of the most fun UCLA events of the year and a must attend for every student out there.
If setting up your tailgate isn’t your thing then UCLA also has several public tailgate parties. These parties include food, drinks, large TVs, interactive games and even live music. They all cost money up front but the food is an open buffet, and the drinks may be open bar depending on what party you join. The Bruin Bash is the oldest public tailgate party starting 3 hours before kickoff and with a $40 advance price and $55 price on gameday. Ralph’s Ultimate Tailgate starts 4 hours before kickoff and costs only $25 or a Ralph’s receipt of $25 or more. Finally, Lawry’s tailgate takes place 3 hours before kickoff and costs $75. For more information on the public tailgate parties check out their website here.
Rose Bowl Golf CourseThe best place for a traditional tailgate is the golf course surrounding the Rose Bowl. The back of the course is an especially good location for those of you looking to set up your tailgate party. Here you’ll find plenty of room to set up a tent, grill, food, and tailgate games that even the largest groups can enjoy. Make sure you arrive early, though, as traffic gets pretty hectic the closer you get to kickoff.
Public Tailgate PartiesIf setting up your tailgate isn’t your thing then UCLA also has several public tailgate parties. These parties include food, drinks, large TVs, interactive games and even live music. They all cost money up front but the food is an open buffet, and the drinks may be open bar depending on what party you join. The Bruin Bash is the oldest public tailgate party starting 3 hours before kickoff and with a $40 advance price and $55 price on gameday. Ralph’s Ultimate Tailgate starts 4 hours before kickoff and costs only $25 or a Ralph’s receipt of $25 or more. Finally, Lawry’s tailgate takes place 3 hours before kickoff and costs $75. For more information on the public tailgate parties check out their website here.
Bruins Stadium Guide
In Game
The moment you step foot into the legendary Rose Bowl stadium you’ll be greeted with the aura they emanate from such a historic facility. Attending your first game at the Rose Bowl is akin to going to your first game at Wrigley Field or Lambeau Field. There is something magical, something electric, about it that cannot be explained.
Once you have gotten past the initial excitement of being at one of the most historic venues in all of sports, you’ll notice how passionate the fans are. Whether it’s UCLA’s famous 8 Clap or the singing of “The Mighty Bruins” the cheers of the crowd will echo throughout the stadium giving you the feeling you’re at one of the biggest and best venues in all of college sports. If you’re looking for the quintessential college football game experience, then UCLA is the destination for you as you’ll find everything you could want in a college game day ranging from excellent marching band shows to pom-poms to flag bearers.
Not to be outdone by the history the natural beauty surrounding the Rose Bowl also makes it a great place to take in a game. The stadium’s proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains means that you’ll have some beautiful natural beauty to enjoy at the game as well as the excellent game day experience that UCLA provides. The natural beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains along with the history and aura of the Rose Bowl make a trip to UCLA a must for anyone who is looking for a superb game day experience.
The Victory Bell is awarded to the winner of the yearly rivalry game between USC and UCLA. The bell was originally part of a Southern Pacific Freight Locomotive and was given to UCLA in 1939, where the cheerleaders used it as part of touchdown celebrations. In 1941 a USC Frat stole the bell and kept it until 1942. After the bell had been returned, both schools agreed the winner of the UCLA-USC game would keep the bell until the next game.
The Rose Bowl is the home to not only the Bruins but also the postseason football game of the same name. When attending a Bruins game, you get to see the same place that many of the greatest college football moments have occurred. Take a moment to take in the sights and sounds when attending a UCLA game like the Rose Bowl’s history and aura alone make the visit worthwhile for any college football fan.
On the 75th anniversary of Rose Bowl's opening, the Chrysler Corporation Court of Champions was created. It serves as a monument to all-time greats who have played in the Rose Bowls including both players and coaches. Some original inductees include Howard Jones, Woody Hayes, Jim Plunkett and Bump Elliott, so check it out next time you’re at the Rose Bowl.
The Rose Bowl’s huge press box is adorned with banners for every UCLA championship of the past. These banners help give the Rose Bowl a nice personalized touch and make it feel like the home of the Bruins. Snap a picture of the banners if you get the chance to let everyone know who you support.
When walking into the student entrances members of the Den pass out "Dirt from the Den." This provides anyone coming in this way an overview of the game as well as dirt on the other team. Make sure you pick up the “Dirt from the Den” to inform yourself on both the Bruins as well as the opposition.
Any fan that comes into the Den (student seating area) with a red shirt initiates the "take off that red shirt" chant. The chant then does not stop until the shirt is removed and everyone applauds. The chant originated to keep USC fans out of the student section, so if you’re sitting there do your due diligence to keep it Trojan free.
At the end of each game the band plays the Alma Mater, this changes after a Bruin victory. In this situation "Rover" is played after the Alma Mater. When this happens, the Den goes into a frenzy. The best part of the song is when “big dent” is sung, and the student section jumps up to make a massive riot.
Before every kickoff (both at the start of a half and after a scored play) the student section, using the drum cadence from the band, points at the kicker. Counting with the drum beat, the Den points at the returning team and bounces their arm back toward the kicker, pointing at the end zone, the 20-yard line, the 50-yard line and then the opposite end zone. This motion is repeated four times, so don’t be afraid to join in on the fun.
The UCLA Bruins marching band has 250 members and is one of the best bands in the nation. They invigorate the crowd with fan favorites such as “Strike Up the Band for UCLA,” “Sons of Westwood,” and “The Mighty Bruins.” You can catch them not only during the game but also at the pregame concert before the game to get into the Bruins game day spirit.
Joe Bruin is the official UCLA mascot, and he can be seen throughout games leading cheers on the sideline and energizing the crowd. Originally Joe was a live bear, however, in the 1960s he became a costumed student. Look for Joe Bruin to pump up the crowd at the next UCLA football game you attend.
Fight Songs
Hails to the Hills of Westwood
Hail to the Hills of Westwood,
to the mighty sea below,
Hail to our Alma Mater,
she will conquer every foe.
For we’re loyal to the Southland,
her honor we’ll uphold,
we’ll gladly give our hearts to thee,
to the Blue and to the Gold.
The Mighty Bruins
(Main Chorus):
We are the Mighty Bruins,
the best team in the West,
we’re marching on to Vic-tor-y
to conquer all the rest.
We are the Mighty Bruins,
triumphant evermore,
and you can hear,
from far and near,
the Mighty Bruin roar.
(Cheer) 1st verse:
U (clap, clap, clap)
C (clap, clap, clap)
L (clap, clap, clap)
A (clap, clap, clap)
U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight.
(Repeat Chorus):
(Cheer) 2nd verse:
Go – Fight – Win – Bruins!!!
Sons of Westwood
We are the Sons of Westwood,
and we hail the blue and gold,
true to thee our hearts will be,
our love will not grow old.
(Yell) FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!
Bruins roam the hills of Westwood,
by the blue Pacific shore
and if by chance they see
a man from U$C,
every Bruin starts to roar.
(Cheer)
U (clap, clap, clap)
C (clap, clap, clap)
L (clap, clap, clap)
A (clap, clap, clap)
U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight. (Repeat First 2 Verses)
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