For decades, the Achilles’ heel of the USC basketball program was that it lacked an on-campus arena. It always seemed like USC did nothing, content with playing in subpar facilities (Shrine Auditorium, Pan-Pacific Auditorium, the Sports Arena). But I recently came across an actual effort for a state-of-the-art fieldhouse that would be built on campus. In 1946, some boosters started a drive and drew support … Continue reading Did You Know USC Tried To Build On-Campus Arena In 1947?

Continuing the Hollywood theme, here is author William Peter Blatty, who is best known as the author of “The Exorcist.” He also wrote the screenplay for the film version of his book and won an Oscar. But as this picture shows he worked as the chief of the USC News Bureau in the late 1950’s. Continue reading USC Picture Of The Day

Michael Crichton signs autographs at USC’s Health Sciences campus circa 1977-78. Crichton had filmed scenes for the movie “Coma” there and returned to speak to medical students. He wrote the screenplay and directed the film. He would later become even more famous for writing the novel and screenplay for “Jurassic Park.” Continue reading USC Picture Of The Night

With Jonah Mathews’ heroics yesterday, here is announcer Mike Walden’s call of the final moments of the USC-UCLA game on March 8, 1969. USC won, 46-44, on on a jump shot by Ernie Powell with six seconds left to hand UCLA its first-ever loss at Pauley Pavilion after a 51-0 start in the new arena. Some say Walden jumped up on the announcer’s table when he yelled … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Remembering Another Big Shot To Beat UCLA

The Grinder restaurant is closing for good at midnight tonight after 48 years. Continue reading End Of Era Tonight