What the Rose Bowl is and where to find it

The Rose Bowl is a college football stadium in Pasadena, California, home to the UCLA Bruins football team. It sits in Arroyo Seco park and has hosted the annual Rose Bowl game — a major college football matchup played on New Year's Day — since 1923. The stadium itself opened in 1922 and holds about 92,000 people.

The Rose Bowl game is part of the College Football Playoff system and draws teams from major conferences. Tickets to the game sell out months in advance. The stadium also hosts other events including concerts, soccer matches, and high school football championships.

If you are planning to visit, the address is 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. Parking fills quickly on game days, and public transit options include the Metro Gold Line, which stops near the stadium.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rose Bowl stadium has hosted the Rose Bowl game every year since 1923, making it one of the longest-running college football traditions in the United States.
  • UCLA plays its home football games at the Rose Bowl, and the team competes in the Big Ten Conference.
  • The stadium holds approximately 92,000 spectators and is located in Pasadena, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.
  • Beyond football, the Rose Bowl hosts concerts, soccer matches, and other large events throughout the year.
  • Tickets to the Rose Bowl game on New Year's Day are highly sought after and typically sell out well before the event date.

The Rose Bowl game and the College Football Playoff

The Rose Bowl game is one of the "New Year's Six" bowl games, a group of six postseason college football matchups that feed into the College Football Playoff. The game pairs a team from the Big Ten Conference against a team from the Pac-12 Conference — though conference alignments have shifted in recent years.

The game is played on New Year's Day (or the closest date if January 1 falls on a Sunday). It is the oldest bowl game still played annually. Winning the Rose Bowl does not automatically advance a team to the playoff championship, but a strong performance can influence playoff seeding and rankings.

The game draws national television coverage and is broadcast on ABC. Halftime features the Tournament of Roses Parade, which runs through Pasadena earlier that morning and is separate from the stadium event itself.

UCLA Bruins and regular season home games

UCLA football plays its home games at the Rose Bowl during the fall season. The Bruins compete in the Big Ten Conference as of 2024. Regular season games typically run from September through November, with kickoff times varying between afternoon and evening slots.

Attending a UCLA home game requires a separate ticket purchase from Rose Bowl game tickets. Prices and availability depend on the opponent and the week of the season. UCLA's athletic department sells tickets through its official website.

The stadium also hosts UCLA's spring football game, a scrimmage that is open to the public at reduced or no cost, usually held in April.

Stadium tours and non-game events

The Rose Bowl offers stadium tours on non-event days. Tours typically cover the field, press box, and historical exhibits about the stadium and the game. Tour availability and pricing vary by season, and reservations are usually required.

Beyond football, the stadium hosts major concerts by national touring artists, international soccer matches, and high school football playoffs. The venue's size and location make it a draw for events that need large capacity and parking.

The Rose Bowl grounds also include a flea market held on the second Sunday of each month, which draws thousands of vendors and shoppers. This event is separate from stadium tours and game days.

Getting tickets and planning your visit

Rose Bowl game tickets are sold through the Tournament of Roses Association and authorized resellers. Prices vary widely depending on seat location and how close to game day you purchase. Secondary market prices often exceed face value, especially for premium seating.

UCLA regular season game tickets are sold through UCLA Athletics. Prices are generally lower than Rose Bowl game tickets and vary by opponent. Student and military discounts are often available.

Parking at the stadium fills quickly on game days. The lot opens several hours before kickoff. Public transit via the Metro Gold Line is an alternative, though it can be crowded after the game ends. Plan to arrive early or use ride-sharing services if you prefer to avoid parking hassles.

The stadium's history and renovations

The Rose Bowl opened in 1922 with a capacity of about 57,000. It has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the decades, reaching its current capacity of approximately 92,000. Recent upgrades have included improved seating, updated facilities, and enhanced technology for broadcasts.

The stadium is also a historic landmark. Its distinctive horseshoe shape and Art Deco design elements from the original construction remain recognizable. The facility has hosted other major events beyond football, including the 1984 Summer Olympics soccer tournament and numerous concerts by major artists.

Ongoing maintenance and periodic upgrades keep the stadium competitive with newer venues, though some sections retain their original character from the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Rose Bowl game played each year?

The Rose Bowl game is played on New Year's Day, or the closest date if January 1 falls on a Sunday. The game typically kicks off in the early afternoon Pacific time. The exact date and time are announced by the Tournament of Roses Association several months in advance.

Can I tour the Rose Bowl on days when there is no game?

Yes, the Rose Bowl offers stadium tours on non-event days. Tours must be reserved in advance through the stadium's official website or by phone. Tour availability varies by season and special events, so check the schedule before planning your visit.

How do I get to the Rose Bowl using public transportation?

The Metro Gold Line light rail stops near the stadium at the Memorial Park station. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk to the stadium entrance. On game days, the station can be very crowded after the event ends, so plan extra time if you are using transit to leave.

What is the difference between a Rose Bowl game ticket and a UCLA regular season ticket?

The Rose Bowl game is a postseason matchup played on New Year's Day and requires a separate ticket. UCLA regular season games are played during the fall and are much less expensive. You need different tickets for each type of event.

Does UCLA play every home game at the Rose Bowl?

Yes, UCLA football plays all of its home games at the Rose Bowl stadium. The team does not have a separate on-campus stadium. This has been the case since 1982, when UCLA moved from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.