With the band, players and fans in full swing, suddenly, it felt like it was football season already. Although it’s only April, the environment paralleled a Saturday in the fall, awaiting the kickoff and USC football taking the field. 

USC football hosted a Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday to celebrate the end of spring camp, in place of what had historically been an open Spring Game, before the event was left off the spring practice schedule last year. Brittingham Field was transformed into a fan fest with all things football-related, headlined by the football roster signing autographs and taking pictures. 

“The hospitality here by the players. I mean, it just goes to show, even when you see these guys on TV, they’re just like us, and they’ve just been really welcoming,” lifelong Trojan fan Nate Hernandez said.

Redshirt senior quarterback Sam Huard said that he appreciated seeing the Trojan fans at the event.

“It’s always great to see all the Trojan fans out here and feel their love and support,” Huard said. “Seeing all the families out here, a lot of future Trojans. Super cool for all of us to be able to come do this [event].”

The two-hour event kicked off with free entry for fans of all ages. Active Airbrush gave away airbrushed hats, while there was also face painting and a photo booth, with a DJ to set the tone like a home game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

The music took another step up, though, when the trumpets of USC’s marching band started playing from afar. 

The band, along with the Spirit Leaders and Flag Runners, arrived at the fan fest in style. Fans lined up to see the USC Trojan Marching Band perform classics, such as the over-a-century-old “Fight On!,” paired with flips, twists and turns from the Spirit Leaders. 

Another fan mentioned the fun of seeing the band and cheerleaders, saying that these are the events that bring the Trojan Family together. 

The ensemble was followed by members of the Trojan football team, including redshirt senior quarterback Jayden Maiava, senior running back Waymond Jordan and sophomore wide receiver Tanook Hines, splitting into three groups to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. 

“[They were] super nice, super humble. I mean, you would think, [with name, image and likeness] they’re different, but no,” longtime USC fan Martin Olmos said. “They’re great players, and a great team, and you can tell.” 

Huard said he also enjoyed the fan fest experience as much as the fans did. 

“It’s awesome. So great turnout this morning, first time doing this since I’ve been here, so it was really cool,” Huard said.  

The event was the first experience for many players with Trojan fans. Redshirt senior defensive tackle Alex VanSumeren transferred this offseason to USC after four years at Michigan State, and he said he immediately felt the Trojan Family.  

“It’s my first interaction with the fans. You can just tell, [how] passionate they are and how much this means to them,” VanSumeren said. “It’s motivating for us.” 

There was even a cameo from football general manager Chad Bowden, who took pictures and talked with fans, encouraging them to attend every home game this upcoming season. The Victory Bell even began to make its rounds, allowing fans to ring the legendary trophy.  

“As a kid, growing up watching SC football, and [to] finally be able to be here like this is just an amazing experience,” Hernandez said. 

As the athletes wrapped up autographs, the event concluded with a raffle of prizes such as signed memorabilia, Nike apparel prize packs, football tickets and Game Day Experiences.

“It’s a great turnout,” VanSumeren said after the event. “We’re gonna give them something special this year.”