USC Trojans Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Andy Enfield

Team Mascot: Traveler

Year Opened: 2006

Capacity: 10258

City / State: Los Angeles / California

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins

Rival Team: UCLA Bruins

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.

Things to check out

Trojan Greats on Sports Illustrated Exhibit

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.

National Titles Display

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.

Louis Galen Bust and Tribute

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.

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Ryan Francis Memorial Bench

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.

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Tommy Trojan and Traveler

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.

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"V” for Victory

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.”

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DJ Malski

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.

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Fight Songs

  1. Fight On!

    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!

  2. 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.

USC Trojans Bars & Restaurants

  1. Bacaro LA

    beer

    Bacaro LA is a Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant featuring Mediterranean-influenced dishes by Chef Lior Hillel.

    2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-748 7205

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  2. Yard House

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Always has that distinct sense of belonging in this place.

    Lucky Strike Bowling - Los Angeles, 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

    213-745-9273

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Seven Grand

    213 Hospitality

    Stylish watering hole with hunting lodge decor, old-school cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.

    515 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

    213-817-5321

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Library Bar

    Hoops Food and Spirits Cocktails Stringtown Bar and Grill Cocktails Halftime Sports Pub Cocktails Irish Mikes Old Town Pub Cocktails Aggie's Sports Bar Cocktails JAMZ Bar and Grill Cocktails

    Handcrafted cocktails & gastropub bites in a cozy setting with book-lined walls & leather couches.

    630 W 6th St #116, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

    213-614-0053

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Lab Gastropub

    The Lab burger fries

    Slick, modern haunt with a science theme boasts gourmet comfort food, wine & beer, plus a patio.

    3500 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

    213-821-1797

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. 901 Bar

    901 Bar

    Laid-back USC hangout stays packed thanks to budget beer & happy-hour deals plus American bar bites

    2902 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-745-7900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. McKay’s

    beer

    Pre-game, post-game or no-game, McKay's is the perfect place to enjoy a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your friends.

    Radisson Mid-City Hotel, 3540 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-741-4111

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$

  8. Traditions

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beer

    Affectionately known as Traddies, this underground sports bar has flat screen TVs, an inviting bar and spacious booths.

    3607 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

    213-821-3445

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. La Barca Restaurant

    La Barca

    USC students pack this bright eatery for hearty plates of Mexican standards & generous margaritas.

    2414 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    323-735-6567

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Tacos Los Guichos

    tacos

    THE place to get a quick taco

    320 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90003, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Hawkins House of Burgers

    Hawkins Burgers

    Hawkins House of Burgers offers only fresh-never-frozen high quality Angus beef, fresh-never-frozen Jennie O Turkey, and fresh-never-frozen Foster Farms chicken.

    11603 Slater St, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

    323-563-1129

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. La Taquiza No 2

    La Taquiza

    Laid-back eatery, part of a local chain, known for Mexican meal combos & handmade tortillas.

    3009 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-741-9795

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  13. Jacks N Joe

    Pancakes

    Popular eatery serves breakfast all day, including plenty of pancakes, in a bright, airy setting.

    2498 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-748-4565

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Master Burger

    burger

    Colorful outdoor window serving comfort-food eats from burritos to wings or pastrami, with seats.

    4419 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90062, USA

    323-295-1940

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Lucky Boy

    Lucky Boy

    Unpretentious, fast-food joint serving up classic cheeseburgers, Mexican eats & other standard grub.

    531 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

    626-793-7079

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Mike’s Deli

    Mikes Deli

    Simple sandwich shop offering a wide variety of classic subs in hearty portions.

    4859 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056, USA

    323-298-4960

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Original Pantry Cafe

    burger

    Casual cash-only diner, open since 1924, dishes up ample portions of American eats around the clock.

    877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA

    213-972-9279

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  18. Tommy’s Original World Famous Hamburgers

    Original Tommys

    The ingredients are of the highest possible quality, including all-beef patties and hot dogs, french fries prepared with vegetable oil, real cheese, fresh chopped onions, and extra-thick slices of tomato.

    2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA

    213-389-9060

    Bar website

    american - $

  19. Figueroa Philly

    Figueroa Philly

    Family-run cheesesteak spot offering sandwiches on Amoroso rolls from Philly in a dinerlike space.

    3850 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA

    213-748-9073

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Burger Plaza Grill

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    Small spot to get the burgers that you crave

    3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-765-9787

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. Chicken Itza Restaurant

    Chichen Itza

    Humble counter-serve Mexican eatery famous with foodies for cochinita pibil & other Yucatecán eats.

    3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

    213-741-1075

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  22. Moreton Fig

    Moreton

    Moreton Fig is the University of Southern California’s premier farm to fork restaurant located in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

    3607 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA

    213-821-3441

    Bar website

    american - $$