Going Solo To Football Games
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
USC is known for its football games. Whether because of the team itself, the award-winning band who miraculously stands the entire time or Traveler who gallops around the field after our team scores, there’s a reason #FIGHTON trends on Twitter after a good game. Many people consider the games to be a huge part of not only the USC Experience but the LA one. From alumni to community residents, it is not unusual to see people bring their family or friends from other schools; but for some — whether because everyone they know hates football or are simply busy — they don’t have anyone to go with. Going alone to any event does not always seem like the most enticing experience, but hey, sometimes you don’t wanna miss out! Why should you let a lack of company dissuade you from doing just that? With an event that is so stereotypically linked to the people you go with it, I wondered what it would be like go alone. So, I grabbed my see-through fanny pack and the two sealed water bottles allowed by the coliseum, and I did just that!
My goal was to get to the game at least 20 minutes before it started; enough time to get through security quickly, find a good seat, and watch the band do their opening performance. I decided to sit in the last row of the student section. I had my back to a platform, but I was still surrounded by other students and right in the middle of the action. I snagged the pom-pom on my seat and settled until the game started. The minutes spent waiting for the game to start weren’t the most exciting with no one to talk to, but it didn’t take long until the seats were packed.
Now, typically, the closer you get to the field, the rowdier it gets, but since Stanford was a pretty big opponent for us, the entire student section was full of energy. There were screams, cheers, and chest-bumps in all directions, regardless of whether people knew each other or not. The people I ended up sitting next to were super friendly, and there was hardly any awkwardness at all. We talked throughout the game and joked about not knowing that much about what we were watching anyway. I realized even if you were someone who is pretty awkward in social situations or nervous about striking up a conversation with strangers, you could just slide right into the middle of a rowdy crowd to balance out your nervous energy. Trust me, the guy screaming next to you will bring you out of your shell.
People also tend to be way more focused on the game than those around them. They don’t care if you came alone or didn’t know anyone around you. Everyone is there to support the team and have fun! If you keep an eye out for it, you’ll even see that tons of other guys and girls come alone and slip into groups of fellow Trojans. If you’re worried that people are judging you for coming alone — they’re not!
Even without a steady group of friends to converse with, I found myself thoroughly entertained throughout the game. There are tons of things to keep your attention: from football itself to the dancers, band, cheer squad, athlete spotlights, and more! There’s a little something for everyone. I mean, I’d go only to see the band play.
Overall, it was a great experience. I gasped at plays, laughed at reactions, and wasn’t at all bothered by being alone. I was a little nervous at first, but as soon as the game got started and energy picked up, I felt right at home. I say all of this to say: if you want to watch the game, but don’t have anyone else to go with, go anyway! There are so many things to experience, and if you’re genuinely interested, you shouldn’t let a lack of company stop you. You’ll probably make friends along the way too! But whether you’re with friends or alone, you won’t regret it!
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