Over 1,000 UCLA Students Attend Crosstown Rivalry Game Against USC

Organized bus caravan brings large Bruin contingent to Galen Center, leading to USC threatening to kick out students

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A group of over 1,000 UCLA students attended the crosstown rivalry game against USC at the Galen Center, organized by the Men of Westwood media agency. The students were transported to the game on 19 buses rented for the occasion, creating a large and boisterous Bruin fan presence that dominated the crowd and led to USC threatening to kick out the students at one point for their chants.

Why it matters

The large UCLA student turnout highlights the growing rivalry between the two Los Angeles schools and UCLA's efforts to establish itself as the "brand of Los Angeles" in college sports. It also demonstrates the power of organized fan engagement initiatives to mobilize students and create a strong home-court advantage, even at an opponent's arena.

The details

Men of Westwood, a media and branding agency supporting UCLA basketball, rented 19 buses to transport over 1,000 UCLA students to the game at USC's Galen Center. The agency promoted the bus caravan on campus and through social media, with head coach Mick Cronin also encouraging student attendance. The overwhelming response from UCLA students forced the agency to expand from the originally planned 3-4 buses. The large Bruin contingent made up a significant portion of the sellout crowd and was particularly vocal, leading USC game management to threaten to kick out the students for their chants.

  • The UCLA/USC game took place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Coach Cronin promoted the bus caravan to students in videos posted earlier in the week.

The players

Men of Westwood

A media and branding agency that supports UCLA basketball and organized the bus caravan to transport over 1,000 UCLA students to the crosstown rivalry game.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team, who promoted the student bus caravan to the game in video messages earlier in the week.

Ken Graiwer

The CEO and founder of Men of Westwood, who stated the goal of getting UCLA students engaged and "taking over" the Galen Center as part of establishing UCLA as the "brand of Los Angeles" in college sports.

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What they’re saying

“We want UCLA to run L.A. It's a new era of college sports and there's a new opportunity for UCLA to be the brand of Los Angeles. Getting students engaged and taking over the Galen Center is a big part of that.”

— Ken Graiwer, CEO and founder of Men of Westwood (Bruin Report Online)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.