The PAC-12 released its 10-game conference-only football schedule today, which confirms that the Trojan Marching Band will not be taking the field for Homecoming on Nov. 14.
But rest assured, this setback is a postponement, not a cancellation. The results of the survey we took earlier this year show strong interest in a reunion for Dr. Bartner’s final performance on the ladder. We’ll use that information to plan for this event to happen in 2021. We will march. We will play. And Dr. Bartner will lead us. We will Fight On!
USC will open the football season on Sept. 26 against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. A Nov. 14 road game at Oregon replaces our previously scheduled Homecoming game against Washington. The Trojans are also scheduled to play Stanford on the road on Oct. 10. It’s not known at this time whether fans or bands will be allowed in the stadiums.
This outcome was not unexpected. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – combined with USC and NCAA policies, as well as city, county and state mandates – makes this an unfortunate but necessary decision. The safety and health of students, athletes, alums and current band members alike must take priority. In addition, we did not want to bring back up to 1,000 alums to perform before a sparsely filled Coliseum.
While the pandemic has put Homecoming on hold, it cannot postpone Dr. Bartner’s 80th birthday on Aug. 30. We’re exploring the possibility of hosting a celebration to honor this milestone, and will let you know how those plans progress. Stay tuned.
As for this year, the Trojan Marching Band Alumni Association Events Committee is working to plan virtual events that we can participate in during the season. If you have an idea, let us know at [email protected].
If you’ve already made travel or hotel reservations for this year’s game, it’s ok to cancel them.
Thanks to everyone who has volunteered. We’ll need your help next year. Stay safe so that we can Fight On in the future.
