USC and UCLA have a fierce crosstown rivalry that spans a variety of different sports. The two first met in 1928 and UCLA has dominated the rivalry for the most part since legendary Bruins coach John Wooden took over the program in 1948. The two met in their first postseason matchup in the 2008 Pac-10 Conference Tournament, but even if you’re just attending a regular season matchup between the two, there is still a lot on the line.
USC Trojans Stadium Guide
In Game
The Galen Center is one of the newest venues in the Pac-12 and a beautiful place to take in a basketball game. Not only will you have an excellent view of the court no matter where you’re sitting, but there are also plenty of things to see around the concourses. On the lower level concourse, there is a wall dedicated to all of the Trojans who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as well as the national championship trophies won by the Trojans over the years. You’ll also want to stop by the tributes to Louis Galen to learn more about the man behind the arena, and the Ryan Francis Memorial Bench is a touching tribute to a young man we lost too soon.
After taking some time to stroll around the facility, you’ll be treated to a somewhat exciting in-game atmosphere. A Trojan basketball may lack the same electric atmosphere found at a football game, but the fans who do show up are diehards who are happy to talk about their team. You’ll also be able to see many of USC popular spirit groups, including the world famous Sound Girls.
Finally, the Galen Center is located in the up and coming Figueroa Corridor, so there are plenty of places to get something to eat or drink before or after the game. The Lab Gastropub is located right next door to the arena, and the neighborhood is home to several authentic Mexican restaurants including the popular La Taquiza and Chano’s.
You’ll have an excellent time attending a USC basketball game where there is a lot of history on display, and you’ll get to see some of the best spirit groups in the nation.
Stop by the Trojan Greats on Sports Illustrated Exhibit to see all of the former Trojans who have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. USC has had a lot of athletes on the cover of the famous sports news magazine, so take some time to check out all of the covers.
No trip to the Galen Center is complete without taking a minute to appreciate all of the national championship trophies won by USC. Make sure to stop by the lower concourse and check them all out during your trip to the Galen Center.
USC does an excellent job of paying tribute to the Galen Center’s namesake with a bust of him as well as a tribute to him and his wife. Check out both to learn more about the man behind the Galen Center.
Banners
Hanging above the court of the Galen Center are banners celebrating the best players in USC history. The banners honor greats such as Paul Westphal and Bill Sharman, so take them all in.
Take a minute to stop by the bench dedicated to former USC point guard Ryan Francis. Francis was killed in 2006, and the memorial is a nice way to keep his memory alive.
USC Song Girls
The USC Song Girls are one of if not the most famous spirit squads in all of college sports. They pump up the crowd with their cheers and routines, so don’t miss the famous spirit group when attending a USC basketball game.
In 2013, USC unveiled new costumed versions of their two famous mascots, Tommy Trojan and Traveler. The two can be seen entertaining the crowd at every USC home basketball game and have quickly become a big part of the gameday experience, so keep an eye out for Tommy and Traveler at the game.
The two-fingered salute created with the extended index and middle fingers is often displayed by Trojan fans to symbolize victory, but it has a much deeper historical significance. When ancient Trojans would defeat an opponent, they would cut the first two fingers of an enemy’s right hand so they couldn’t hold a sword. Then, to mock them, the Trojans would hold up their still-attached two fingers. Show off your Trojan pride by displaying this victory symbol as you cheer on USC.
Trojan Pep Band
USC is home to one of the best marching bands in the country, and their pep band is no slouch either. Enjoy hearing the pep band play all of your favorite Trojans tunes including “Fight On!” and “Conquest.”
Enjoy the musical stylings of DJ Malski when attending a Trojans basketball game. DJ Malski is quite the accomplished DJ having appeared on stage with many famous rappers such as Kanye West and can also be heard at Rams football games and on 102.3 KJLH.
The USC Fight Song is played after every touchdown and after crucial plays. The crowd will often give the ‘V for Victory’ hand salute as the song plays. If you would like to better learn the USC Fight Song both the video and lyrics, have been provided.
Fight on for ol’ SC Our Men fight on to Victory Our Alma Mater Dear, looks up to you Fight on and win For ol’ SC Fight on to Victory Fight On!
Conquest
This song is played at the beginning of the games, and anytime Traveler runs around the field. A vital song for the USC faithful that gets the mascot and everyone else involved.
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