Battle of Southern California
December 4th, 2005
The UCLA Bruins visited the hostile confines of the Los Angeles Coliseum this December to face the USC Trojans in a battle for the ages. Well, the game wasn’t quite that dramatic, but the fanfare and traditional pigskin-meets-gladiator hoopla heightened my pre-game anticipation. The spectacle of it all was incredible, watching a game in the legendary Coliseum! I mean, I’m used to Murray H. Goodman Stadium at Lehigh University in Bethelehem, PA. Back there the epic battle was between Lehigh and Lafayette (the oldest football rivalry in the country), and the bragging rights of Biblical-named towns of eastern Pennsylvania.
This day I was accompanied by my buddy Ken M, an alumni of the UCLA graduate school, so I sported a bright light blue t-shirt in support of the Bruins. Thankfully our seats were in the UCLA section, away from the cocky arrogant Trojan fans with their thick red and gold scarves (in 70 degree weather!). A certain camaraderie developed throughout the game between fans of the visiting team as the deficit grew larger. It was lighthearted and enjoyable nonetheless, though the final score might suggest otherwise => USC (66) – UCLA (19). Who cares? It was an amazing experience for this east coast lifer. And the game brought about some memorable moments, overshadowing the memory of seeing people charge $80 for parking outside the Coliseum.
Can’t wait to do it again next year, but this time in the Rose Bowl!
