USC Pep rally at South Coast Plaza
An anonymous report from a USC fan
USC virtually took over the former Crystal Court section of Orange County's premier shopping center, South Coast Plaza. Orange County is well known as an area where USC alumni are present in high numbers. USC's Bookstore has had a satellite store located at South Coast Plaza for many years. In fact, USC also has an educational facility in Irvine which helps businesses in the OC to network with USC's MBA programs. But, today, the show was the Athletic Department's appearance with three USC football players and head coach Lane Kiffin.
The rally was scheduled to start at 11 AM. By 10:45 AM fans were stacked 3 to 4 deep from the center of the mall past the USC Collections bookstore and down the concourse. At least 500 people were in line for autographs. The organizers had large high-definition TV's, a microphone and PA system, a stage, and multiple chairs for the student athletes.
Coach Kiffin arrived at 11 AM and after a slight delay, some song girls and yell leaders appeared at the front of the stage. Coach Kiffin got on stage and said a few remarks and then turned the microphone over to the student athletes.
The student athletes and Coach Kiffin then took two hours of out of their busy academic and administrative schedules to sign autographs for the USC fans present. I saw many children with USC souvenirs there. There were young and old present with many Trojan alumni. The event appeared to be a tremendous success for both South Coast Plaza and the University.