UCLA’s historic rivalry against the University of Southern California got physical on Monday as students took a sledgehammer to a car painted red and yellow with the word “Trojans” on it.
The “Beat ‘SC Car Smash” kicked off Blue and Gold Week, raising school spirit in anticipation of the game against USC on Saturday.
The event, sponsored by the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Council, featured music from local radio station KROQ and attracted crowds passing through Bruin Plaza.
The crowd cheered on the roughly 30 students who each had 30 seconds to try their hand with the sledgehammer. Participants received prizes from KROQ if they were able to deliver sizable blows to the car.
These prizes included gift certificates, T-shirts and tickets for the Ozzfest concert.
Manaf Mansure, executive director of Blue and Gold Week, said he thought the car smash kicked off the week with a bang.
“I was really happy with the event, I thought the car smash was the best way to start off Blue and Gold Week … This is an indication of the fun and excitement of Blue and Gold Week,” he said.
Compiled by Lucy Benz-Rogers, Bruin senior staff.