Let’s be completely honest. Some of you may not have chosen to attend UCLA for its academics, but for its excellence in athletics instead. No need to worry, your secret is safe with me. I won’t tell your parents.
We all know that this fine university, unlike that other one across town, offers a high-class education. But seriously, how could you turn down the nation’s premier athletic program?
I bet you’re itching for a chance to display that school spirit now that you’re a proud Bruin. Be warned though: The collegiate sporting event experience differs from Friday night high school football games. Here are some things you need to know before you jump into this frenzy:
1. The Rose Bowl
As a UCLA student, you have the opportunity to attend seven football games this upcoming season at one of the nation’s most famous stadiums ““ the Rose Bowl. Whether or not you’re in attendance for a game in early January depends solely on how those on the gridiron perform, but we’ll get to that when the time comes.
2. Transportation
If you will not have access to a car during the school year, become BFFs with someone who will. If you fail to do so, you have the alternative to pay for a $5 shuttle that will take you to and from Pasadena. Although the shuttle is filled with an abundance of 8-claps and eager fans just like you, the buses are sluggish at best. Mix that with the horrible L.A. traffic and you’re just asking for a late arrival. Believe me, you want to get there early. Tailgating is too good to pass up.
3. Tailgating
Don’t be afraid of the alumni, they don’t bite. They do, however, offer nostalgic stories about their days as students. But best of all, some may also offer food, which can include bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapenos, hamburgers and beverages galore. After a free pregame meal, start making your way into the Rose Bowl. Once inside, behold the colorful pageantry, a harmonious band and 90,000 of your fellow fans. Getting goose bumps yet?
4. Pauley Pavilion
If you have not seen the 11 basketball championship banners that hang in the rafters of Pauley Pavilion, drop this newspaper and run over there now.
I’m guessing the doors are all locked, so I’ll try to explain their glory. Those banners symbolize the greatness of legendary coach John Wooden and players such as Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton. They show that there is no other team around the country that touts as many as UCLA.
5. Game day
If you attend a basketball game, you are lucky enough to have been selected to receive season tickets via the lottery. But having a ticket to a game does not guarantee a thing.
In order to get a courtside look at a team that is highly capable of making yet another deep run into the NCAA Tournament, you will surely need to camp out next to Pauley for a night (or in some cases, two nights, depending on who’s in town).
Students jot their names down in the order in which they arrive. UCLA’s student fan group, The Den, keeps track of the first 500 students who withstand the sleepless night by holding a roll-call every few hours. Therefore, those who snooze will definitely lose.
Remember to be patient. You will become a more knowledgeable fan as time goes on. Eventually, you will become a master of numerous pregame chants and hand gestures. Don’t worry if the same cannot be said for your first-quarter linguistics course. I won’t tell your parents.
E-mail Angulo at bangulo@media.ucla.edu.