USC vs. UCLA Tailgate Guide: A Comprehensive Game Day Experience
Game day at the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is more than just a football game; it's an immersive experience steeped in tradition, school spirit, and camaraderie. Whether you're a die-hard Trojans fan or a Bruin devotee, understanding the ins and outs of tailgating at these iconic institutions is crucial for maximizing your game day enjoyment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of tailgating policies, traditions, and essential information for both USC and UCLA, ensuring a safe, entertaining, and memorable experience.
USC Trojans Game Day: Tradition and Spirit
Game day on USC’s campus is an experience like no other! From the moment you set foot on the grounds, you're enveloped in an electric atmosphere that captivates fans from kickoff to the final whistle.
Tailgating at USC
Tailgating is a central part of the USC game day experience. All tailgating events start no earlier than six hours prior to kickoff on the USC campus. However, setting up, marking off, or holding a tailgate space on game day without a tailgate permit is prohibited. Tailgate spaces are measured based on the guest count you provide during registration.
On-Campus Tailgating Policies
USC has specific guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans.
- Permits: If you plan to host your own tailgate, you must register for a permit.
- Timing: Saturday game day tailgating on campus can begin no earlier than 6 hours before kickoff. For Friday game days, tailgating may be permitted in select campus locations, with start times determined based on kickoff and campus needs.
- Equipment: USC does not provide tents or any other equipment for tailgates.
- Sound: Amplified sound that is audible from more than 5 ft. away or over 80 decibels is prohibited, including TVs, portable sound systems, etc. Live bands, Mariachi, DJs, and large sound systems are strictly prohibited. *Only homecoming tailgates registered with the Alumni Association are exempt from the above policy.
- Sales: Only university-affiliated groups (using USC funds) may sell admission or products (including food, drinks, merchandise, etc.) at their campus tailgate. These groups must obtain the proper permits to host and sell at their event.
- Containers: No glass containers are permitted.
- BBQs: BBQs must be at least 15 ft. from all buildings, tents, and overhangs.
Tailgating Options
- On-Campus Tailgating: Picnic-style tailgating takes place on campus lawns-not in parking lots. You’ll pay to park in designated lots and hand-carry all supplies to your reserved spot on foot. Tailgate spaces must be reserved at least three weeks before game day. Tailgating begins six hours before kickoff and tear-down must be done by game time.
- Trojan Family Game Day Experience: Fans of all ages are invited to the Trojan Family Game Day Experience, a family-friendly, on-campus tailgate that is FREE and open to the public. Centrally located in Alumni Park, families are welcome to enjoy the outdoor screens showing live games, and relax in comfort with tables, chairs, and a wide array of food and beverages (non-alcoholic soft drinks, wine, beer) available for purchase with a credit or debit card (no cash sales). NOTE: outside food and beverage is not permitted.
- The Coliseum South Lawn: The South Lawn West is open to the public six hours before kickoff (first-come, first-served) for picnicking only - no vehicles or open flames allowed. The field closes at kickoff.
- Modelo Ultimate Tailgate: Located east of the Coliseum on Christmas Tree Lane, the Modelo Ultimate Tailgate is a FREE area that offers interactive games, music, TVs showing other live games, giveaways and more. Fans of all ages are welcome to enjoy food trucks, beer gardens, DJs and photo ops.
Trojan Walk
The Trojan Walk is one of USC’s most iconic and beloved traditions. Occurring 2 hours and 45 minutes prior to kickoff, the Trojan Walk gives fans the opportunity to cheer on the players as they walk from their team buses off Figueroa Boulevard and to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Since the event is undeniably one of the most popular pre-game activities, fans are encouraged to arrive early for the walk to get a good viewing spot to welcome the team.
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The Spirit of Troy
The game itself isn’t the only form of entertainment to be found on a game day at USC. The USC Trojan Marching Band, known as “The Spirit of Troy,” is an iconic and integral part the USC game day experience. The band plays a central role in rallying fans and inspiring the Trojan football team. Known for its renditions of fight songs - including"Fight On,” “Tribute to Troy” and “Conquest!” - the band is a key driver of the electric atmosphere at USC events.
Essential Game Day Tips
USC game days are as long as they are eventful, so be sure to come prepared for the day of festivities. Make sure you have your tickets, parking passes and ID secured before arrival. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun are all key items to remember if the day’s forecast is clear and sunny, which is commonly the case in Los Angeles. USC’s signature school colors are cardinal and gold, so don’t forget to show some school spirit by bringing your USC-themed attire and accessories!
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Centrally located to the LA Coliseum, Downtown LA is the ideal hub for your visit. Since opening in June 1923, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has become one of the world’s greatest sports venues, home to world-class athletes and legendary games. The Coliseum has also hosted numerous historic figures and countless special events. Presidents: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. The Coliseum will add to this illustrious record in 2028 when LA hosts the XXXIV Olympiad.
The Coliseum has also hosted numerous historic figures and countless special events - including the Olympics. The Coliseum was designated a National Historic Landmark on July 27, 1984, a day before the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Location and Access
The LA Coliseum is located at Exposition Park, across the street from the campus of the University of Southern California (USC). The Coliseum is adjacent to BMO Stadium, the home of LAFC and Angel City FC.
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Located about four miles southwest of Downtown LA, Exposition Park is the site of the California African American Museum, California Science Center and the Natural History Museum.
Parking and Transportation
- Parking: Parking at Exposition Park on USC game days is by permit only. Short term or all-day parking is available at several locations on the USC campus. New parking processes and technology have been integrated to help you navigate and plan your game day experience. Event parking this season is $50/vehicle. A $0.50 transaction fee applies for mobile payments. USC Transportation now uses Text2Park technology, enabling guests to pay from the convenience of their car via their mobile device. Enter your license plate and payment details. Access to all museums in Exposition Park via the Figueroa Street entrance remains unrestricted during USC Football Game day egress. Patrons should park in the parking garage off 39th Street/Figueroa Street.
- Rideshare: Exposition Park allows rideshare access from Figueroa Street with drop-off and pick up along Exposition Park Drive. During larger events, a designated rideshare area is located at Vermont Avenue between Exposition Boulevard and Downey Way. After the event, exit Gate 19 or 23 and walk north of the Coliseum to Exposition and west to Vermont.
Coliseum Historic Tours
The Coliseum Historic Tours are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10am and 1pm. The 75-minute walking tour includes the elegant Founders Suites and breathtaking views of the LA skyline from the 1923 Club rooftop deck atop the Scholarship Club Tower. Guests will have a special opportunity to experience the game day of an athlete, spending time in the locker room and running through the Player’s Tunnel onto the playing field. The tour ends inside the classic seating bowl, following in the footsteps of the world’s greatest athletes and entertainers to the iconic Peristyle; walking under the Coliseum Torch and absorbing the historical impact of those enshrined in the Coliseum Court of Honor.
The USC Trojans Football Legacy
The Coliseum is the home stadium of the USC Trojans football team. Established in 1888, the Trojans football program is a perennial NCAA powerhouse, claiming 11 national championships. USC boasts 14 inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, tied with Notre Dame for the most of any school.
Many memorable games have been played at the Coliseum over the decades - one of the greatest was USC vs. Notre Dame on Nov. 30, 1974.
2025 Schedule
This year's Big 10 conference games at the Coliseum include:
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- Michigan State (Sep. 20)
- Michigan (Oct. 11)
- Northwestern (Nov. 7)
- Iowa (Nov. 15)
On odd numbered years, the Coliseum hosts the annual rivalry game between USC and the UCLA Bruins, alternating with Rose Bowl Stadium. This year's showdown is taking place on Saturday, November 29.
Key Traditions
- Fight On!: This is the most iconic USC chant. The words “Fight On” are chanted loudly by fans, especially during crucial moments in the game. The words are part of the official fight song, which is: “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.
- Conquest!: This is another instrumental piece played by the Trojan Marching Band.
Football season is in full swing in the fall, with games occurring almost every week. The USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins are kicking off the 2025 college football season on Saturday, August 30!
UCLA Bruins Game Day: The Rose Bowl Experience
When road tripping through SoCal take some time out of your camping to watch a UCLA Bruins game at the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium.
Getting to the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is not located directly on the UCLA campus with games taking place just over 25 miles away in Pasadena. This is a stretch of road that will get incredibly busy on game day, so make sure you have plenty of time (at least a couple of hours if we are being realistic) to drive to the game if you are heading that way from the city of LA or the campus itself.
Driving
The best way to get to the Rose Bowl is by the Califonia freeway system. This often means taking CA-134 from the west, CA-110 from the south, or I-210 from the north and east. Follow signs to the stadium and beware of local road closures.
Parking
Single-game parking for cars is sold in certain lots around the Rose Bowl. These passes have been $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the game in recent years. Lots open six hours in advance of the game. The RV game day parking lot is on West Drive. Single-game passes have been sold for $100 in advance and $150 on the day in recent years. Note that RVs must approach the parking lots via Linda Vista and Seco Street. New parking processes and technology have been integrated to help you navigate and plan your game day experience.
Public Transportation
Taking the Metro Gold Line to the Memorial Park Gold Line Station gives you a 2.4-mile walk to the Rose Bowl stadium. Alternatively, fans can walk a couple of blocks following signs to a shuttle station, which is at the Parsons Building. This free shuttle takes fans directly to Lot B of the stadium and begins three hours before kickoff. Pasadena Transit 51 bus also goes directly from Memorial Park Station to the Rose Bowl. Car sharing services and taxis are also always available.
Where to Stay
Onsite
There is no overnight camping allowed at the Rose Bowl in any of the official parking lots. This goes for both RV camping or using a tent in the back of your car. Lots in the Pasadena area that are not directly tied to the Rose Bowl may allow RV parking overnight. If not then, be prepared to stay offsite and drive in the morning of the game. Pasadena RV campgrounds are often as close as 45-miles or even less.
Nearby
A nearby stay depends on if you are looking to be close to the campus, which is more entrenched in the City of LA proper, or if you are okay staying out by the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. This area backs up to the Angeles National Forest, where there are over a dozen campground options with varying levels of amenities. For those looking for more of a vacation experience, Los Angeles North KOA is 45 miles away from the Rose Bowl following the freeway system.
Getting Around
Walking from the closer parking lots and taking a shuttle from those further from the stadium (and those coming from Memorial Park Station) are the best ways to get to the gates at the Rose Bowl. All gates are ADA accessible and wheelchair assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis to transport guests from the gate to their seats and back again at the end of the event if needed.
What to Pack
Clothing
Travelers often experience plenty of sun in the LA area, so one essential item of clothing is a cap or hat for protection from the rays. Make sure everything you are wearing on game day is both climate and UCLA appropriate, with the blue and gold of the team front and center. There are plenty of vendors booths at the stadium, or you can prepare in advance by buying your t-shirts (in the early season) and maybe a hoodie for that California casual look when going to November evening games.
Gear
Going into the Rose Bowl it is best to keep your gear to a minimum. Stick to basics like your phone and your wallet to avoid having to travel back to the RV while the game is being played. Where you can make the most of your gear is at your own personal tailgate where you may want to have UCLA lawn chairs, napkins, and maybe even an awning to protect you from the sun. Just make sure nothing is the gold and cardinal of the USC Trojans.
Health & Safety
Sunscreen is important in SoCal as the weather here is likely to be sunny and bright for the majority of your trip. Lip balm would also be a good idea to protect your skin, as would aloe, and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat. Sunglasses are a good idea, too, as football stadiums are often bright places. If you start to feel heat sick, then get out of the sun immediately and find a way to cool down.
Where to Eat
Cooking
Check your campsite rules to see what is and isn't allowed when you are cooking at your vacation base. Open flames are not allowed at the Rose Bowl, and charcoal grills are not permitted in the RV parking area so bring your gas grill instead. This might mean you take a tow vehicle to the game to park in an area where charcoal grilling is allowed if you prefer that method of cooking. Prepare any sides in advance of your trip to make the best use of your time, and also make sure that you use containers that are not made of glass for any food or beverages.
Restaurants
Anyone looking for good restaurants will know that Los Angeles is not a place that will disappoint. Everything from fine dining to hole in the wall Mexican joints can be found here, with a sizable number of options for any budget. Options near the stadium tend to be on the pricier side, but fans will not be in short supply of choices within an hour's drive of UCLA.
Vendors
If you still need to eat after cooking at the tailgate and eating in the restaurants, then Rose Bowl vendors may be your next stop. The stadium has a wide variety of food types, ranging from national chains to local stadium fare. These include both savory and sweet options, with classics like hot dogs, pretzels, and churros being sold in multiple areas around the stadium.
Safety
Security
Rose Bowl Stadium runs a clear bag policy with only small clutches allowed into the facility as an exception. The bag must be no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12" and will be subject to search by a security team member to make sure no prohibited items are being taken into the stadium. Give a little extra time when arriving; the security line typically includes a metal detector and bag check.
Weather
The weather for UCLA games is often about as good as you will find anywhere in the country. Highs in the 70s and 80s for early season games with lows dipping into the 60s in the evening are common. In the fall, you might want to keep an eye on the potential of a storm or unexpected weather event, but these are unlikely to cause problems except on rare occasions.
Medical
There are first-aid stations and medical personnel on hand at the Rose Bowl if you need attention at the game. Alert a member of staff for directions if they are needed. There are also a number of world-class medical facilities within a short drive of the stadium should something serious occur.
Tailgating at the Rose Bowl
Parking lots open for tailgating six hours before kickoff and stay open for 90 minutes after the game. Parking lots 5B and up are grass parking lots on the West side of the Rose Bowl. Lots 1A and above are grass parking lots on the North side of the Rose Bowl. Single-game ticket holder General Parking can be purchased in advance at a discounted rate. Fans can also purchase parking on the day of the game. Parking is first-come, first-served.
Guests must tailgate in front of or behind their vehicle only. Only tents 10’x10’ or smaller may be pitched in front of or behind your vehicle. All barbecue grills must be raised off the ground. No charcoal grills in the RV parking area (West Drive). No open flames permitted in any tailgate or parking area.
UCLA Football Fan Zone
Open to the public, the UCLA Football Fan Zone is one of the largest and most exciting public tailgating zones in the country! From a wide variety of exciting game day experiences such as tailgating parties, food vendors, activities, exhibits, beer gardens and much more, the Fan Zone is a must-see when attending a UCLA football game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Opens four hours before the game and closes 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
Rose Bowl Stadium: A Storied Venue
The landmark Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena has hosted five Super Bowls, gold medal matches for two Summer Olympics, two FIFA World Cup Finals, superstar concerts and the annual college football game for which it’s named. Rose Bowl Stadium will host the Men's and Women's Soccer Semifinals and Finals during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Known as “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the Rose Bowl Game is the oldest of America's college football postseason bowl games, first played as the "Tournament East-West football game" at Tournament Park on Jan. 1, 1902 and played annually on or near New Year's Day since 1916.
Location
Rose Bowl Stadium is located in the Arroyo Seco area of Pasadena about 10 miles northeast of Downtown LA, accessed via the 110 Freeway. Nearby cultural attractions include the Gamble House, The Huntington, Kidspace Museum, Norton Simon Museum and USC Pacific Asia Museum.
Parking and Transportation
Parking passes on the Brookside Golf Course and Lot H are on sale for UCLA home games. Lot H is first-come, first-served until the lot is full.
Off-site parking is available at the Parsons Engineering Complex in Old Town Pasadena. A free shuttle takes passengers to and from Lot B/Gate B at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl
Since 1982, Rose Bowl Stadium has been the home stadium of the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins had previously played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 1928. With the Oakland Raiders scheduled to move into the Coliseum at the start of the 1982 NFL season, UCLA relocated its home games to Rose Bowl Stadium. The Bruins went on to win two consecutive Rose Bowl Games in their new home stadium, along with a third in 1986. Six Bruins have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jackie Robinson will forever be remembered for breaking the Major League Baseball color barrier on April 15, 1947. As a UCLA Bruin, Robinson played quarterback and safety in 1937 and '38. His 104-yard kickoff return in 1938 is reportedly the longest in Rose Bowl Stadium history.
2025 Schedule
Big Ten conference games at the Rose Bowl include:
- Penn State (Oct. 4)
- Maryland (Oct. 18)
- Nebraska (Nov. 8)
- Washington (Nov.
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