Wed Sep 18 18:22:00 UTC 2024: ## Big Ten Expansion Sparks Cross-Country Travel Frenzy for College Football Fans

The Big Ten Conference’s expansion to include UCLA and USC has ignited a surge in cross-country travel for college football fans. The excitement is palpable, with fans from the Midwest venturing west and Californians heading east for games that previously seemed impossible.

This past weekend saw a sea of Indiana fans cheering their Hoosiers to victory at the Rose Bowl, while a large contingent of Southern California fans will be invading Ann Arbor, Michigan, this weekend for a game against Michigan. The new matchups have brought a much-needed boost to programs like Indiana and UCLA, whose attendance has been struggling in recent years.

“It’s been a very positive impact,” said UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, noting an increase in season ticket and single-game sales. He also mentioned the strong response from Indiana fans, with many making the journey to Pasadena, and the high demand for tickets to upcoming games against Minnesota and Iowa.

The cross-country travel extends beyond the Midwest, with even Californian fans eager to take advantage of the new matchups. The USC Alumni Association sold out their travel package for the game in Ann Arbor this weekend.

The 2024 schedule is jam-packed with exciting cross-country matchups, with the longest trip being a 5,650-mile round trip from Washington to Rutgers. Other notable games include Wisconsin visiting USC, Michigan traveling to Washington, and Ohio State facing Oregon.

The excitement surrounding the Big Ten’s expansion is evident in the increased interest and travel, making this season one of the most memorable in recent years for college football fans across the country.

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