Los Angeles – Day 8 – UCLA vs. USC Football Game

Today I crossed two things off my bucket list, watching the classic battle between rivals USC and UCLA, and going to the Rose Bowl.  

Although it seats over 90,000 the venue is surprisingly intimate, with good views of the fields from all seats.  Trees peak above the stands on the East Side, making it feel like being in  your back yard (if you chose to put a football stadium at your house).  

Long tunnels ran from the concourse to the seating area, and I was afraid that when I emerged I’d find myself in a different universe.  The fans were more social then I expected for such a heated rivalry.  Although many were focused on the game, others were walking around looking for friends, apparently oblivious to the action on the field.  There were also a lot of USC and UCLA fans walking around together, more so then I’ve seen in other rivary games.  I guess with so many people growing up together and then going to different schools, the game is one of the few opportunities old friends have go get together and socialize.

Another thing that surprised me was how cold it was.  The Beach Boys sang about surfing and the warmth of the sun, I don’t remember any songs about putting on your thremals before going to the football game.  “Wouldn’t it be nice if it was warmer then I wouldn’t feel so cold….”

All and all it was a good time and it was nice to experience a rivalry that was intense, but ‘friendly’ at the same time.