USC Football: 6 Ways to Spend Game Day at USC
Okay, so you have the Trojan tickets in your hot little hand and you are preparing to spend the day wrapped around the game.
Now what?
Well, you better have a plan because as nice as Exposition Park is, the neighborhood around the Los Angeles Coliseum isn't the place you want to "wing it."
While a few places around the Coliseum have been cleaned up to some extent, there are still a lot of "rough" areas around...enough to demand a serious consideration of where and when you will spend the day leading up to game time.
Fear not though, there is a ton of stuff to do as you while the day away awaiting the opening kickoff.
Great places to eat, interesting sites to visit, and, of course, the obligatory tailgate party albeit one that requires guile on the celebrants part will be on your game day menu.
So pack the cooler and grab the lawn chairs.
Here are 6 ways to spend game day at USC.
Start Your Day off with Breakfast at the Original Pantry
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Where else can you go for a good breakfast and possibly see some of LA's political movers and shakers line up to order from a chalkboard on the wall?
Los Angeles' Original Pantry Restaurant is such a place.
Unchanged after over 85 years in the same location, the Pantry features great food, especially breakfast, at a reasonable price.
Owned by former Los Angeles mayor, Richard Riordan, the Pantry's unassuming decor (such as it is) belies the experience itself, and the great thing is, the restaurant is only three miles from the Coliseum.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Original Pantry before you park the car to begin the rest of your busy day.
Your stomach will thank you for it.
Dig Dinosaurs? Visit the Natural History Museum!
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For the sake of full disclosure this writer must admit to having a post graduate degree in history so I may be somewhat biased.
But really, is there anything cooler than dinosaurs?
Even if meat eating raptors aren't your thing, there are so many other neat things to do and see there.
Want to know more about Los Angeles and its history? You are in the right place.
Oh, and don't forget to check out the precious metals from the mid-nineteenth century gold rush.
Rocks the size of a breadbasket. Seriously.
Don't have a lot of time?
Check out the museums free guide on how to view the most popular exhibits in an hour.
This is a great way to pass the whole day away or just a part of it.
Plus, it is only a mile away from the Coliseum!
And if your tastes are geared to the more modern....
Check out the California Science Center!
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Located just yards away from the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center is beyond cool.
With tons of interactive exhibits, the Science center offers a fascinating look at a variety of disciplines and all the time you are learning, you are too busy having fun to know it!
And if you are bringing your kids to the Trojan game, this is the way to pass the time leading up to it.
Many of these exhibits are geared to both adults and children and the time invested here will make memories for a lifetime.
What if you just want to relax and kick it?
Spend an hour and a half or so at the IMAX theater watching a huge science/animal/history related film where you become one with the subject matter.
All and all, a spectacular way to while away the hours until the start of the game!
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Stroll the USC Campus
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If you are at the coliseum to root on the Trojans, why not take a visit to the beautiful campus of USC before the game?
Located only a mile-and-a-half from the coliseum, USC offers manicured and beautiful grounds, historic buildings and magnificent gardens.
Before you go, consult the USC website for cultural events, usually free, which typically run all year long.
And with access to food and drink readily available, your day is set with little or no planning on your part.
But don't forget to visit the statue of Tommy Trojan before you leave to wish for luck for the men of Troy.
After all, a visit to the campus without a stop by to see Tommy would be nothing short of sacrilege.
Tailgating at Exposition Park
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Okay, a word to wise is in order here.
When tailgating in Los Angeles, regardless of the venue, be very, very careful.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places is strictly prohibited and since the brutal assault of Giants fan, Brian Stowe, the police are cracking down with vigor.
So do yourself a favor.
Limit the booze and do it in a responsible manner.
And don't do it in the coliseum parking lot for God's sake!
Instead, take a picnic basket to beautiful Exposition park and make a day out of it.
The place is safe, the grounds are clean and there is always something going on in terms of exhibits or cultural events.
As long as you are smart and responsible, this is a great way to spend the day leading up to the game!
Finish the Day with Dinner at Papa Cristos
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So the game is over and, of course, the Trojans have won. Whats next?
Well, judging by the rumbling emanating from your belly, you may want to start thinking about dinner.
And if you like great Greek and Arab food at a reasonable price, head on over to Papa Cristos, one of my favorite eating establishments here in the southland.
Authentic middle east culinary fare with a simple ambiance, Papa's place has been serving the residents and tourists alike for decades.
My suggestion? Anything with lamb.
Thank me later.
Conclusion
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As stated in the opening slide, some of the areas around the coliseum can be rough, and at their worst, downright dangerous.
But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a full day as you plan around the game.
This slide show featured a variety of things to do around the coliseum within walking distance and in safe environments.
There are other things do besides what is on this humble list.
Great restaurants, cultural events, street performers, shopping and much more can be found in the immediate area and are all worthwhile.
By all means, check them out.
This slide show endeavored to provide a framework for how to spend a day at a USC game.
I could go on and on with other things to do but that would make me a travel agent and I'll leave those things for the professionals.
So have fun at the Trojan game and be safe in all you do.
And that is always #1 on any list.
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