The Pacific-8 Conference, often referred to as the Pac-8, was a collegiate athletic conference in the United States that existed from 1968 to 1978. It was formed by the merger of the Athletic Association of Western Universities and the Pacific Coast Conference. The conference included eight member schools, primarily from the western United States, and was known for its competitive programs in various sports, particularly football and basketball. In 1978, the Pac-8 expanded to include two additional schools, becoming the Pacific-10 Conference, or Pac-10. This expansion allowed for greater competition and increased visibility for member institutions, which included notable schools like UCLA and USC. The Pac-10 continues to be a significant player in collegiate athletics today.