From Where We Are

The vulnerability of USC Conquest Week traditions

Tommy Trojan raises his fist in the air. He is wearing giant boxing gloves and onstage.
USC Mascot Tommy Trojan onstage at the 2024 annual Conquest Concert (Photo courtesy of Edith Chang)

USC’s annual Conquest Week will look different this year, with the rivalry game landing during Thanksgiving break. The university has replaced the usual concert with a smaller carnival-style event, and statue guard schedules have been shortened. With many students heading home, some say the school-spirit energy feels noticeably softer.