The University of Southern California (USC) has a rich history, strong academics, and a vibrant student life. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, it’s one of California’s most competitive schools with just a 10.4% acceptance rate and ranks #27 among national universities.
But beyond its reputation, what sets USC apart are its traditions. From pre-game rituals to spirited events, these shared experiences bring students together and create a strong sense of belonging. In this blog, you’ll discover 10 iconic USC traditions every future Trojan should know.
Top 10 USC Traditions
Did you know that USC is home to the first film school in the U.S.? Or that its alumni network includes leaders in entertainment, politics, and business? These facts point to USC’s wide influence, but what really shapes student life are the traditions that unite the Trojan community year after year.
From the iconic Trojan mascot to game day rituals and campus superstitions, these customs are part of what it means to be a USC student. Below are 10 long-standing traditions you’ll want to know before stepping on campus.
1. Card stunts at football games
Imagine sitting in a packed football stadium when, all of a sudden, your entire section transforms into a giant screen. Someone shouts, “Hold up your card!” and boom! The crowd becomes a living, breathing scoreboard spelling out “BEAT UCLA” or forming a Trojan sword. That’s the magic of card stunts, a USC tradition that dates back to 1922.
Card stunts are coordinated displays where thousands of fans hold up colored cards to create an image or message. It was actually USC who really took things to the next level! Led by Yell Leader Lindley Bothwell and the Trojan Knights, USC pulled off the world’s first moving card stunt, long before anyone dreamed of gifs or jumbotrons. That’s some early 20th-century innovation.
Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth. In the 80s, the tradition was paused when fans got too excited and started throwing the cards like frisbees. But in true Trojan fashion, the tradition returned stronger in 2011 with safer, flexible cards. Today, you can still catch card stunts at special games and during Welcome Week’s New Student Rally.
2. The Victory Bell
The Victory Bell is the ultimate prize in USC’s annual football game against UCLA. Each year, the winning team gets to keep the bell and the bragging rights that come with it. However, this isn’t just any trophy! It’s a 295-pound bell that once sat on a Southern Pacific freight train, and its backstory is one for the books.
The bell was gifted to UCLA in 1939 and originally rang after every Bruin touchdown. But two years later, a group of USC students disguised themselves as UCLA fans, helped load the bell onto a truck, stole the key, and drove off to hide it in various spots across Southern California.
What followed was absolute chaos. Students from both sides painted statues, burned letters into lawns, and clashed so often that USC’s president threatened to cancel the rivalry altogether. Both schools then agreed to turn the bell into a trophy awarded to the winner of their yearly football game and that tradition has continued ever since.
Today, the bell gets painted in the winning team’s colors, which are cardinal for USC or blue for UCLA. It’s only brought out during the game and the Monday after, when it’s delivered to the victor’s campus. It stays tucked away the rest of the year, just like it did in its early years.
3. Tommy Watch
Just before the big rivalry game against UCLA, a group of dedicated students pulls all-nighters not for exams, but to protect a statue. During Troy Week, they stand guard over Tommy Trojan, USC’s most famous campus figure, to make sure no one tries to paint him blue and gold.
This tradition dates back to the early 1940s, when some mischievous UCLA students vandalized the Tommy statue with paint. Ever since, students have posted a 24/7 watch to prevent any repeat attacks. Rain or shine, someone is always on duty.
Tommy Watch is also a social event, where people play football and softball, hang out late into the night, and welcome visits from all corners of campus. Coaches, alumni, the marching band, and even USC’s president sometimes stop by to bring snacks or cheer them on.
And if you can’t stop by in person, there’s even a Tommy Cam, a live feed that lets everyone keep an eye on the statue during Troy Week. It’s a fun way to join in the tradition, even from your dorm or halfway across the country.
4. Rubbing George Tirebiter’s nose
In the 1940s, a group of USC students found a small stray dog wandering down Trousdale Parkway. He became known as George Tirebiter because he had a habit of chasing and biting car tires. The students took him in, and he quickly became a beloved figure on campus.
George marched in front of the Trojan Marching Band, wore custom USC sweaters, and starred in football games. During one USC-UCLA game, George cemented his place in Trojan history by biting UCLA’s mascot, Joe Bruin, right on the nose! He was fearless, loyal, and full of school spirit.
Today, George is immortalized in bronze at the south end of Trousdale, looking toward the Coliseum. On game days, it’s tradition for students and fans to rub his nose for good luck as they walk to the stadium. It’s a small moment that keeps the memory of USC’s most legendary pup alive.
5. Traveler
You can’t talk about USC traditions without mentioning Traveler, the majestic white horse who gallops around the Coliseum after every Trojan touchdown. Dressed in Trojan armor, the rider leads the crowd in celebration as Traveler charges down the field. It’s one of the most iconic sights in college football.
Now, Traveler didn’t just appear one day. Before he became the official mascot, a student rode a white horse onto the field during a 1950s football game. That simple entrance set the stage for a tradition that would become part of USC’s identity.
Since then, there have been several versions of Traveler: Traveler I, II, III, and so on. The current mascot is Traveler IX, a white Andalusian gelding known for his calm and powerful presence. While the breed has changed over time, every Traveler has shared the same bright white coat and noble stance.
6. The Jeweled Shillelagh
Every time USC faces Notre Dame, there’s more than just pride on the line. The winner of this legendary rivalry game takes home the Jeweled Shillelagh, a wooden Irish club decked out with ruby-studded Trojan heads or emerald shamrocks, depending on who wins. For tie games, both schools share the spotlight on a split medallion.
A shillelagh (say it like “shuh-LAY-lee”) is a traditional Gaelic war club, and this one has serious character. It was introduced in the 1950s by the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Los Angeles to honor the passion, tradition, and mutual respect between the two programs.
The original trophy eventually ran out of space and now lives at Notre Dame on permanent display. A second shillelagh, handcrafted in Ireland, took its place in the 1990s and is still passed back and forth today. It’s a quirky, historic, and totally unique part of college football and a big deal for Trojans when USC wins.
7. Kicking the flagpoles
At the entrance to USC’s LA campus, you’ll find three tall flagpoles standing along Exposition Boulevard. If you see students or fans walking by and suddenly kicking the base of one, don’t be alarmed. It’s tradition! Trojans do it for a little extra luck on game day.
The custom started with the Trojan Marching Band, which used to kick the poles as they marched down Trousdale Parkway to the Coliseum. It was their way of announcing their presence and getting hyped before the game.
Fans noticed, joined in, and turned it into a campus-wide ritual. Now, every home game, you’ll spot a steady line of people giving the poles a quick kick before heading to the stadium.
8. Springfest
If there’s one event that captures the energy of USC in the spring, it’s Springfest. This annual music festival takes over campus with live performances, food trucks, and free merch booths. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s easily one of the biggest highlights of the semester.
Hosted by the student-run USC Concerts Committee, Springfest has brought in artists like Don Toliver, Flo Milli, and Glass Animals. It’s a full-on concert experience without ever leaving campus, and students look forward to it all year long.
Springfest is open to USC students only, but you can bring up to two guests. Whether you go for the music, the food, or just to hang out on the lawn with your friends, it’s one of those USC traditions that makes campus life feel like more than just class and homework.
9. All Hail Acapella
Start warming up those vocal cords! All Hail is USC’s signature a cappella showcase and one of the most entertaining nights on campus. Each semester (plus a special Halloween edition), all 10 student a cappella groups come together for one giant concert. It’s like Pitch Perfect, but live and way more fun to watch in person.
The event is hosted by the SoCal VoCals, one of the country’s best college a cappella teams. Friendly competition takes a backseat as every group hits the stage with their own sound, style, and surprise song choices. Past performances have included everything from K-pop and Broadway to jazz and throwback hits.
Even if you’re not planning to audition, All Hail is the perfect way to see USC’s musical talent on full display. And if you’re a singer, it’s a great way to scope out which group fits your vibe.
10. Senior Fountain Run
Senior Fountain Run is one of USC’s most talked-about traditions. On the last Thursday of classes, seniors throw on swimsuits, grab their floaties, and dash through every fountain on campus. It’s one last chance to make a splash, literally.
For many students, it’s a rite of passage they’ve been waiting four years to experience. It’s not unusual to see groups of seniors armed with goggles, water guns, and the occasional bottle of champagne, celebrating the end of their college journey in style.
This past year, the USC administration officially canceled the tradition due to safety concerns and cleanup costs. In its place, they offered a tamer version called the “Senior Run.” Still, many seniors found ways to honor the original spirit of the event—just maybe with a little less water.
Other Fun Facts about USC
Now that you know some USC traditions, here are a few fun facts about the university you might be surprised to know.
1. USC’s motto reflects Trojan spirit.
USC’s official motto is “Palmam qui meruit ferat,” which means “Let whoever earns the palm bear it.” Simply put, it’s about rewarding those who’ve earned their success, an idea that fits USC’s competitive and high-achieving culture.
The phrase goes back to ancient Rome, where palm branches symbolized victory. It later appeared on the coat of arms of British naval hero Horatio Nelson after his win at the Battle of the Nile. At USC, it’s a reminder that success is earned, not given.
2. There’s real meaning behind USC’s colors.
USC’s bold school colors, cardinal and gold, have been proudly displayed since they were officially adopted in 1896. Cardinal stands for heart and strength, while gold reflects the energy and opportunity of Southern California.
Some credit Marion Bovard with the original color choice, but official approval came under USC’s third president, Reverend George W. White. The gold used to lean more orange, but in 1958, it was changed to the vibrant yellow we know today.
Now, these colors are everywhere, from game day uniforms to campus banners to the sea of T-shirts at Trojan events.
3. USC owns the Coliseum.
Unlike most schools, USC owns and operates the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, home to its football team and many historic events. Nicknamed “The Greatest Stadium in the World,” it has hosted two Olympic Games, Super Bowls, and even a visit from the Pope.
More than just a sports venue, the Coliseum is a National Historic Landmark and a memorial to U.S. service members from World War I. Owning such a landmark gives USC full control over game-day experiences and reinforces the school’s deep connection to LA history.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some fun traditions at USC?
USC has plenty of traditions that bring the campus community together. Popular ones include Springfest, card stunts at football games, and rubbing George Tirebiter’s nose for good luck. Students also participate in Tommy Watch during rivalry week and kick the flagpoles on the way to the Coliseum.
2. Does USC have any football traditions?
Yes, football is a huge part of USC culture! The marching band, Traveler’s touchdown lap, and the Victory Bell rivalry with UCLA are all game-day staples. Another major tradition is the Jeweled Shillelagh, a trophy passed between USC and Notre Dame after each matchup.
3. What is USC best known for?
USC is known for its strong academic programs, including some of the best majors in film, business, and engineering. It’s also recognized for its global alumni network, competitive school spirit, and close ties to the city of Los Angeles.
Takeaways
- USC has a long list of traditions that bring students together and build school pride.
- From card stunts during games to Tommy Watch, these customs create lasting memories throughout college.
- Football traditions like the Victory Bell and Jeweled Shillelagh add depth to USC’s biggest rivalries.
- Campus events like Springfest and All Hail show off the creative and social side of Trojan life.
- If you want to boost your chances of getting into USC, work with a college admissions expert who can help you craft a standout application.
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.
