The Big Ten Club outreach includes local Los Angeles and Orange County clubs in Southern California.
Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State | Minnesota | Nebraska | Northwestern
* The University of Chicago was one of the original schools in the Big Ten Conference from 1896-1948
and has remained a part of the Big Ten Club since our Club’s 1933 inception.
and has remained a part of the Big Ten Club since our Club’s 1933 inception.
Visitor Guides for schools coming out to UCLA & USC
UCLA
Main site, https://www.ucla.edu/
Main site, https://www.ucla.edu/
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UCLA GAMES - GUIDE TO ROSE BOWL
Rose Bowl Stadium Info for Football Games
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UCLA - GUIDE TO WESTWOOD
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Bars to gather on UCLA Campus
Barney’s Beanery Westwood
1037 Broxton Av.
Westwood, CA 90024
310-443-7777
Broxton Brewery & Public House
1099 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-933-9949
Rocco’s Tavern
1000 Gayley Av.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
424-248-3145
Barney’s Beanery Westwood
1037 Broxton Av.
Westwood, CA 90024
310-443-7777
Broxton Brewery & Public House
1099 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-933-9949
Rocco’s Tavern
1000 Gayley Av.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
424-248-3145
USC
WELCOME TO GAME DAY AT USC:
A Trojan's Guide for BIG TEN Visitors
This guide is designed for all BIG-Ten Alumni from the Midwest or East Coast who have yet to experience a USC game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, our country's most prestigious and historic sports venue, for example, the host of what will be its 3rd Olympic Games in 2028.
👉 Learn more about the LA Coliseum as it is Very Impressive. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Memorial_Coliseum
Where to Stay
Let’s be real, you didn’t fly to LA just for a football game. While USC is the main event, your trip should include palm trees, beach walks, and ocean breezes. So don’t waste your stay in Downtown LA or around campus. Instead, book your hotel:
Transportation to the Game
🅿️ Parking Warnings
USC Home Games are serious business: tailgates begin 6 hours before kickoff. If you arrive less than 3 hours before, parking becomes an expensive mess. Expect to walk a mile or more or pay $100+ for a last-minute spot (if you're lucky). Most of my new friends have missed the kickoff and our USC campus exploration because they don't plan to arrive early enough. This happens every home game.
🚇 The METRO is Your Friend
Uber/Lyft work well for getting to USC. The problem? Tens of thousands of fans are trying to leave all at once. You’ll need to:
A Trojan's Guide for BIG TEN Visitors
This guide is designed for all BIG-Ten Alumni from the Midwest or East Coast who have yet to experience a USC game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, our country's most prestigious and historic sports venue, for example, the host of what will be its 3rd Olympic Games in 2028.
👉 Learn more about the LA Coliseum as it is Very Impressive. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Memorial_Coliseum
Where to Stay
Let’s be real, you didn’t fly to LA just for a football game. While USC is the main event, your trip should include palm trees, beach walks, and ocean breezes. So don’t waste your stay in Downtown LA or around campus. Instead, book your hotel:
- South of LAX – Try hotels in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, or El Segundo.
- North of LAX – Also consider hotels in Santa Monica or Venice Beach
Transportation to the Game
🅿️ Parking Warnings
USC Home Games are serious business: tailgates begin 6 hours before kickoff. If you arrive less than 3 hours before, parking becomes an expensive mess. Expect to walk a mile or more or pay $100+ for a last-minute spot (if you're lucky). Most of my new friends have missed the kickoff and our USC campus exploration because they don't plan to arrive early enough. This happens every home game.
🚇 The METRO is Your Friend
- There are 3 Metro platforms around our campus, but only use the 2 along Exposition Blvd. Either stop will work for you.
- From Santa Monica: Take the E Line (Expo Line), which drops you off right at USC.
- From the South Bay: Take the K Line (Pink), transfer at the Expo/Crenshaw station to the E Line, which drops you off right at USC.
- Silver Line bus from the Harbor Gateway Transit Center to the 37th Street/USC stop – not recommended for late night games.
Uber/Lyft work well for getting to USC. The problem? Tens of thousands of fans are trying to leave all at once. You’ll need to:
- Be patient. There will be a lot of Y’all trying to get home. Everyone knows this and behaves.
- Know where USC’s designated rideshare pickup zones are.
- Bring water. Maybe a snack. Trust me, as you may not get home when you expected to.
Exploring USC & Exposition Park
USC’s campus is gorgeous, easily one of the most beautiful urban campuses in the country (and yes, better than UCLA... They have a boring campus in a better neighborhood).
Don’t just rush to your seat, arrive early and soak it all in:
· Exposition Park – Home of many museums, such as the Natural History Museum, California Science Center, and Rose Garden. George Lucas’s (USC Class of 1967) Star Wars Museum will open in 2026.
· USC Campus – Enjoy our Legacy Tailgate Parties, Tour iconic buildings, statues such as Tommy Trojan and Traveler (our famous horse), and vibrant student energy.
· Heritage Hall - Heritage Hall, which sits in the middle of the USC campus, houses the University’s athletic department and celebrates the glorious Trojan athletic heritage. USC is #1, having produced over 500 Olympians that have earned 326 total medals (144 Gold, 96 Silver, 86 Bronze), #1 having won 136 national team championships, and #1 having won 8 Heisman Trophies (that you can touch).
· USC Bookstore “USC Nordstroms” - The USC Bookstore is a well-stocked, high-energy hub of school spirit, academic essentials, and overpriced but irresistibly cool, Trojan merch. In the front, there is a Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM. Yes, you read that correctly.
· USC Trojan Marching Band – The only thing next to our USC Football Team is our love for our Spirit of Troy, Trojan Marching Band. If you love a good college band, then you don’t want to miss “The Best Band in the History of the Universe”. They start in front of Heritage Hall, and then they play on campus in front of Tommy Trojan 2 hours before kick-off. A big crowd arrives & you’ll want to pick a spot early. They leave the Associate's Picnic/Tailgate and march out. For the best viewing, head to the east side of the street, where you’ll face the band. After they play on campus, they march to the Coliseum and play again in front of Gate 19.
Pro tip: Arrive 4+ hours early, walk the campus, and tailgate like you mean it.
Tailgating at USC
Tailgating here is a serious tradition. Alumni reserve campus spots months in advance.
Open alcohol containers are allowed both on Campus and at Exposition Park on game day only.
Here’s the rundown:
Food & Drinks BEFORE the Game
You can buy food and drinks on campus, but the options are basic. Bring your own or make friends with a good tailgate crew. Again, come prepared. No freeloaders are welcome.
Food & Drinks DURING the Game
You will find a variety of Food and Beverage options on the ground floor of the Coliseum walking area. Yes, they do sell alcoholic drinks at the LA Coliseum, and yes, they are overpriced. There are many both “Mom & Pop” venues plus national vendors for you to choose from for food and drinks. I personally like to take a lap around the venue either before kickoff or at halftime to explore my options, which do change from game to game.
Safety & Security
Yes, it’s LA, you’ve seen the headlines. But the USC campus is heavily secured on game days. LAPD, USC Security, and private event staff are everywhere.
USC Fans’ Respect for Visitors
We Trojan fans are classy. We welcome visiting fans (unless you wear baby blue, gold, or feathers). You'll be treated with respect and maybe even fed until your team loses. Then it’s hugs and high-fives (unless you're a bRuin, Domer, or dUck).
FAQ for Rival Fans
🎟️ Where Do Visiting Fans Sit?
Contact the USC Ticket Office: https://ticketoffice.usc.edu/ (213) 740-GOSC
Visitor sections are usually in the northeast corner of the Coliseum — Sections 101–105.
Second-hand ticket sites, such as StubHub, also work, but Ticketmaster is often cheaper, so check there first.
🚌 Where Do the Visiting Team Buses Park?
Contact USC Transportation: https://transnet.usc.edu/
🎉 Where Do the Visiting Teams Tailgate?
Contact your School for this detailed information, but traditionally, large, catered tailgate parties by visiting schools are held on Exposition Park along Exposition Blvd. and between the Rose Garden, which is easy to find.
Final Words of Trojan Tailgate Wisdom
Don’t treat a USC Game Day like a regular game day. It’s a tradition, a celebration, and a bucket list sports experience all set in the cradle of Olympic history and Trojan legacy. You will regret not getting to campus early enough to spend enough time exploring our beautiful, wonderful, and historical campus.
Get here early. Stay hydrated. Come inspired. Win or lose, you will have gained a memory.
And remember: Fight On✌️
USC’s campus is gorgeous, easily one of the most beautiful urban campuses in the country (and yes, better than UCLA... They have a boring campus in a better neighborhood).
Don’t just rush to your seat, arrive early and soak it all in:
· Exposition Park – Home of many museums, such as the Natural History Museum, California Science Center, and Rose Garden. George Lucas’s (USC Class of 1967) Star Wars Museum will open in 2026.
· USC Campus – Enjoy our Legacy Tailgate Parties, Tour iconic buildings, statues such as Tommy Trojan and Traveler (our famous horse), and vibrant student energy.
· Heritage Hall - Heritage Hall, which sits in the middle of the USC campus, houses the University’s athletic department and celebrates the glorious Trojan athletic heritage. USC is #1, having produced over 500 Olympians that have earned 326 total medals (144 Gold, 96 Silver, 86 Bronze), #1 having won 136 national team championships, and #1 having won 8 Heisman Trophies (that you can touch).
· USC Bookstore “USC Nordstroms” - The USC Bookstore is a well-stocked, high-energy hub of school spirit, academic essentials, and overpriced but irresistibly cool, Trojan merch. In the front, there is a Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM. Yes, you read that correctly.
· USC Trojan Marching Band – The only thing next to our USC Football Team is our love for our Spirit of Troy, Trojan Marching Band. If you love a good college band, then you don’t want to miss “The Best Band in the History of the Universe”. They start in front of Heritage Hall, and then they play on campus in front of Tommy Trojan 2 hours before kick-off. A big crowd arrives & you’ll want to pick a spot early. They leave the Associate's Picnic/Tailgate and march out. For the best viewing, head to the east side of the street, where you’ll face the band. After they play on campus, they march to the Coliseum and play again in front of Gate 19.
Pro tip: Arrive 4+ hours early, walk the campus, and tailgate like you mean it.
Tailgating at USC
Tailgating here is a serious tradition. Alumni reserve campus spots months in advance.
Open alcohol containers are allowed both on Campus and at Exposition Park on game day only.
Here’s the rundown:
- On Campus: Very Limited space for first-time visitors to set up. Try finding a friend or joining an existing tailgate.
- Exposition Park (across the street): First-come, first-served parking and tailgate areas. Show up early! Don’t be the one who gets stuck in traffic and misses kick-off. It is going to take you longer to get there than you planned, so you have been warned.
- Food or Snacks (the more unusual or unique the better). We want you to be memorable.
- Adults Drinks (sharing is caring.)
- Good vibes (You had better be bringing the fun.)
Food & Drinks BEFORE the Game
You can buy food and drinks on campus, but the options are basic. Bring your own or make friends with a good tailgate crew. Again, come prepared. No freeloaders are welcome.
Food & Drinks DURING the Game
You will find a variety of Food and Beverage options on the ground floor of the Coliseum walking area. Yes, they do sell alcoholic drinks at the LA Coliseum, and yes, they are overpriced. There are many both “Mom & Pop” venues plus national vendors for you to choose from for food and drinks. I personally like to take a lap around the venue either before kickoff or at halftime to explore my options, which do change from game to game.
Safety & Security
Yes, it’s LA, you’ve seen the headlines. But the USC campus is heavily secured on game days. LAPD, USC Security, and private event staff are everywhere.
- Inside USC & Exposition Park: You’re very safe. In 35 years, I have never had an issue.
- South of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd: Just Don’t. Trust me. There’s nothing there for you.
- Eating the Danger Dogs – After the USC Victory, when you leave the LA Coliseum, you will be greeted by dozens of local bacon-wrapped hot dog vendors. They smell great, but you have been warned.
USC Fans’ Respect for Visitors
We Trojan fans are classy. We welcome visiting fans (unless you wear baby blue, gold, or feathers). You'll be treated with respect and maybe even fed until your team loses. Then it’s hugs and high-fives (unless you're a bRuin, Domer, or dUck).
FAQ for Rival Fans
🎟️ Where Do Visiting Fans Sit?
Contact the USC Ticket Office: https://ticketoffice.usc.edu/ (213) 740-GOSC
Visitor sections are usually in the northeast corner of the Coliseum — Sections 101–105.
Second-hand ticket sites, such as StubHub, also work, but Ticketmaster is often cheaper, so check there first.
🚌 Where Do the Visiting Team Buses Park?
Contact USC Transportation: https://transnet.usc.edu/
🎉 Where Do the Visiting Teams Tailgate?
Contact your School for this detailed information, but traditionally, large, catered tailgate parties by visiting schools are held on Exposition Park along Exposition Blvd. and between the Rose Garden, which is easy to find.
Final Words of Trojan Tailgate Wisdom
Don’t treat a USC Game Day like a regular game day. It’s a tradition, a celebration, and a bucket list sports experience all set in the cradle of Olympic history and Trojan legacy. You will regret not getting to campus early enough to spend enough time exploring our beautiful, wonderful, and historical campus.
Get here early. Stay hydrated. Come inspired. Win or lose, you will have gained a memory.
And remember: Fight On✌️
USC Basketball Games
Galen Center
USC plays both Men's and Women's Basketball and Volleyball games at the Galen Center, directly across Figueroa Blvd. from our main campus. USC finally got its own basketball facility in 2006. It’s a modern, intimate venue just steps from campus, ideal for capturing Trojan pride and energy. With seating for about 10,258 fans, the arena has 2 levels that hit the sweet spot, loud enough to feel electric, small enough to get close to the action.
Admittedly, the arena may rarely be full, but when rival UCLA or a big-name basketball school comes to town, it shakes. Record crowds hit capacity during big games, with student sections and local fans exploding with energy.
Food & Beverages
Limited food and beverages can be purchased during the game inside the Galen Center. I would recommend planning ahead, and hopefully, “the Lab” Gastropub next door along Figueroa Blvd. will be open that day. It seems to have a seasonal schedule and is not always open when you need it. It is a Slick, modern haunt with a science theme that boasts gourmet comfort food, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus a cool outdoor patio facing the crowds walking by.
Next door to that is McKay's Restaurant Bar & Lounge. McKay’s was created in homage to one of football’s greatest personalities, John McKay, former USC Head Coach. I used to love this place before or after games, but now it is only open in the mornings for breakfast.
My favorite location for pregame fun is Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub. Located just a block or two from the Galen Center, the University Village is situated at the corner of Jefferson Blvd. & Hoover Street. Great Food! Great Times! Mouthwatering hamburgers, fresh pizza, nachos, wings, tenders, delicious vegetarian food, and more. It has a full bar, a nice outdoor patio in front, and a good-sized private room to reserve. Both food and beverages can be purchased using their app at your table or in advance, making for very effective customer service.
USC plays both Men's and Women's Basketball and Volleyball games at the Galen Center, directly across Figueroa Blvd. from our main campus. USC finally got its own basketball facility in 2006. It’s a modern, intimate venue just steps from campus, ideal for capturing Trojan pride and energy. With seating for about 10,258 fans, the arena has 2 levels that hit the sweet spot, loud enough to feel electric, small enough to get close to the action.
Admittedly, the arena may rarely be full, but when rival UCLA or a big-name basketball school comes to town, it shakes. Record crowds hit capacity during big games, with student sections and local fans exploding with energy.
Food & Beverages
Limited food and beverages can be purchased during the game inside the Galen Center. I would recommend planning ahead, and hopefully, “the Lab” Gastropub next door along Figueroa Blvd. will be open that day. It seems to have a seasonal schedule and is not always open when you need it. It is a Slick, modern haunt with a science theme that boasts gourmet comfort food, wine, beer, and cocktails, plus a cool outdoor patio facing the crowds walking by.
Next door to that is McKay's Restaurant Bar & Lounge. McKay’s was created in homage to one of football’s greatest personalities, John McKay, former USC Head Coach. I used to love this place before or after games, but now it is only open in the mornings for breakfast.
My favorite location for pregame fun is Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub. Located just a block or two from the Galen Center, the University Village is situated at the corner of Jefferson Blvd. & Hoover Street. Great Food! Great Times! Mouthwatering hamburgers, fresh pizza, nachos, wings, tenders, delicious vegetarian food, and more. It has a full bar, a nice outdoor patio in front, and a good-sized private room to reserve. Both food and beverages can be purchased using their app at your table or in advance, making for very effective customer service.
USC Info Legal Disclaimer:
This document was independently created and distributed by Michael “MD3” Donovan III, a twice-graduate of USC, as a resource for visiting fans and alumni. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the University of Southern California, the USC Athletics Department, the USC Alumni Association, or any official entity of the university. All opinions and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the author. It is not official in any way, and its contents and opinions are meant to be educational, informative, but light-hearted.
This document was independently created and distributed by Michael “MD3” Donovan III, a twice-graduate of USC, as a resource for visiting fans and alumni. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by the University of Southern California, the USC Athletics Department, the USC Alumni Association, or any official entity of the university. All opinions and recommendations expressed herein are solely those of the author. It is not official in any way, and its contents and opinions are meant to be educational, informative, but light-hearted.