This year’s Bid Day was a little different.
Sure, the running, the T-shirts, the emotions and the celebration were the same. They just didn’t take place on the Horseshoe, as is tradition.
There was also a delay while organizers tried to figure out who was receiving which bids — a critically important component of the festivities.
But the spirit of the event, an important step in the recruitment process for the sororities, remained upbeat and joyful.
We support the move of Bid Day to Colonial Life Arena for a number of reasons. The whole affair has the feel of a pep rally, and Colonial Life is just as conducive to that atmosphere as the Horseshoe.
Even for those who longed for the old location, a silver lining emerged – the indoor setting sheltered waiting participants and spectators from the elements that raged outside. Rain has dampened previous Bid Days, and this move means that never again will weather interfere.
There is also the element of safety. As anyone who has been a student at USC knows, those infamous Horseshoe bricks can be annoying and dangerous. Hopefully the more sinister element of the ritual, some less than savory spectators and a derogatory nickname, will also disappear.
We recognize that tradition is important in Greek Life, and at USC in general. We also think that doesn’t mean traditions can never change. But we hope the most important tradition – fellowship and lifelong bonds between sisters – won’t disappear from Bid Day from anytime soon.