Trojan and Bruins Fans, Tailgate Responsibly

I received this email from USC today, regarding security at Saturday night's game.

Dear Trojan Fans:   We all know how important the USC vs. UCLA game is to our fans, alumni and players each year.  As the Athletic Directors of these storied programs, this day has been circled on our calendars since the end of last season.  This is a special rivalry that we both look forward to as a capstone to each conference season, and the 81st meeting of our teams this Saturday is shaping up to be a great game.   Just as this game brings elevated attention to the 60 minutes of exciting on-field competition, the hours of pregame festivities and fun also deserve extra attention from our staff and fans alike. We want the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to be a safe and friendly environment for you and your family to enjoy a great day of college football.   This year we have increased the emphasis and visibility of game day security, particularly given the 7pm kickoff time. Security staff will be bolstered by over 25% for this game, and there is an integrated effort between both universities and a host of local law enforcement organizations to make the entire game experience around the Coliseum safe and secure.   Working together, our staffs are coordinating efforts with USC Department of Public Safety, University of California Police Department, LAPD, Exposition Park Police, FBI Special Events, Homeland Security, CA Alcohol-Beverage Control, and others to minimize any safety concerns on game day. You will notice increased staffing presence and bike patrols to go along with a host of enhancements behind the scenes. The Coliseum’s standard tailgating policies – only one parking space per car and no amplified sound – will be strictly enforced.   A big part of making this day safe and enjoyable for everyone is the conduct of both fan bases. We ask you to please respect the rivalry, respect each other, and bring the same level of sportsmanship to the game that we expect of our players. Should you have any questions or see anything of concern on Saturday, please notify the closest staff member, call our Fan Behavior Hotline at 213-765-8525, or send a text to 274637 with TC4T and your issue or question details.   Thank you for your continued support of this great rivalry and for doing your part to make this year’s game a safe and enjoyable day for all in attendance.   Fight On!		What: USC vs UCLA Football Where: LA Coliseum When: Nov. 26, 2011 Limited tickets available
Pat Haden USC Charles Griffin Cale Director of Athletics' Chair	Dan Guerrero UCLA Director of Athletics

It's a good letter, and not just because they managed to get Dan Guerrero's name at the bottom of a letter that concludes with "Fight on". The Trojans want to avoid this sort of trouble, which often occurs when a crosstown game doesn't start until well into the evening, giving thousands of young men time to drink, kill time, and then turn their alcohol-fueled aggression on each other.

 

If you're going to the game on Saturday, and you plan to drink, pace yourself. Show that you can handle your liquor. Tailgate with class.