By Nadia Garabedian

Since 1929, the University of California, Los Angeles, and its neighbors at the University of Southern California have been fierce rivals, competing for the title of the 'best LA school' and the right to take home the “Victory Bell.” Kicking off with a USC victory in the 1929 football game, the rivalry has continued to thrive, fueled by the passion of students and their eagerness to claim the “Victory Bell” at each matchup. According to Draftkings Network, the tradition of the famous bell started in 1941 when USC students stole the UCLA students’ bell and hid it on their campus for more than a year. Eventually, the two schools made a pact to use this bell as a symbol of “Victory,” allowing the winning team to take it home each year until the next game the following year.

This historic rivalry does not only exist during the football season. As the years have progressed, UCLA and USC students have gradually built up an intense rivalry during any sports competition, in which basketball is one of the most sought after victories. According to The Daily Bruin, students lined up for the 2024 UCLA vs USC basketball game over 24 hours in advance, armed with plenty of sleeping equipment and activities to pass the time. 

Given this tradition, it has placed severe importance on who wins each sports competition, as well as who is in current possession of the “Victory Bell,” to which this past year it has been in the hands of UCLA. Approaching this year's rivalry football game on Saturday, November 23rd, the title of “Victory Bell” owner will soon be determined. In preparation for this game, and the possible pranks that USC students might play on UCLA, UCLA students have already boarded up important landmarks like the Bruin Bear, as well as the John Wooden statue and the Jackie Robinson memorial. Each rivalry football game, in the past, has been filled with pregame tailgates and an enthusiastic attitude of pride for one’s home team, whether that be the Bruins or the Trojans. Approaching this year’s football game, time will only tell as to who will take home the victory and who will ultimately gain this year’s title of rivalry champion.