2008 Homecoming Lowdown

From hip-hop to bar-hop, USC has a lot of entertainment ready to welcome alumni back for Saturday's homecoming game against the Washington Huskies. You probably missed the parade and a couple of rallies, but there's still plenty on the agenda. All events are free except for the games.

NOTE: You may want to print the map/guide listed below.

Thursday

A big pep rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Galen Center. Football players will be there to pump up the crowd, along with the Trojan Marching Band and a hypnotist (appropriate for Halloween).
At 8 p.m., Common will be performing in McCarthy Quad. The Knux will open. Seriously. Sweet. Lineup.

Friday

The defending national champion USC women's soccer team will host Cal at 3 p.m. at McAllister Field.
The top 15 ranked USC women's volleyball team will host Oregon at 7 p.m. at the Galen Center.
It's Halloween, but try not to party too hard. There's a full day Saturday.

Saturday

The football game kicks off 3:30 p.m. The ticket office was sold out a while ago, but the school's official resale partner is StubHub, and it has seats as low as $35 as of this posting.

Weather should be pretty ideal, but there's a small chance of rain. Click here for the latest forecast.
USC's favorite good cause, Troy Camp, will be doing its annual Pass the Can fundraiser. Click here if you want to volunteer (you'll get a free T-shirt) and bring some cash so you can help support Los Angeles youth.
Fun fact: USC is 56-24-4 in homecoming games and has won the last six.
Funner fact: Campus will be packed all day long. "Frat Row" will be in McCarthy Quad again, so expect it to be a total zoo. Attend or avoid, accordingly. Click here for a map of all official on-campus booths and click here for the guide. You'll want to print both.
Other on-campus activities are described in detail by on the Alumni Assn. website.
The No. 1 ranked men's water polo team will host arch-rival UCLA at 1 p.m. in McDonald's Swim Stadium.
Women's volleyball will host Oregon State at 7 p.m. at the Galen Center.

Hot Spots

These four local establishments will quench your thirst, satisfy your hunger and have the game on TV ...

The 9-0 (901 Bar and Grill) opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m. If you haven't been reading this blog, get clued in. It's been remodeled and serves food (including breakfast and an outstanding pizza menu).
The 2-9 (29th Street Cafe) opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. (it may stay open later if it's going off). The menu has improved over the last couple of years. Insider tip: It's the only place near campus where you can make a reservation for before kickoff.
Traddies (Traditions) opens at 11 a.m. and closes around 5 p.m. IMPORTANT: Alumni returning will be mildly shocked to see that Commons has been torn down. Fear not. It will be rebuilt. In the meantime, there's a giant tent called "The Lot" about 300 yards to the west with a temporary Traddies. They've got bar games and other food vendors in the facility.
Bacaro LA, a hip new wine bar located a few blocks north of campus, opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m. If you want to feel classy and have fun, go check it out. For homecoming it's discounting glasses of wine by $1 and will offer a $5 sausage plate (Hungarian sausage, knackwurst, sauerkraut, sourdough bread) ... it's a unique experience for you palate. Reservations available.

Sunday

If you've still got some energy, the women's soccer team will host Stanford at 1 p.m. in the Coliseum. Both teams are eying a run at the NCAA title, with the Farm ranked No. 2 in the nation and USC hoping to return to the championship game.

-- Adam Rose
Homecoming artwork by Jackie Chang, USC Sophomore