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NCAA FBS

Rose Bowl StadiumPasadena, California

UCLA

👥
Capacity
89,702
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1921
🌱
Surface
Grass

📖About Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl is a National Historic Landmark with 89,702 seats, nicknamed "The Granddaddy of Them All"—all bowl games took their name from this venue. Designed by Myron Hunt and opened in 1922, it became UCLA's home in 1982. The Bruins travel 26 miles from campus for home games.

🏛️History

Origins

Designed by architect Myron Hunt in 1921, built in 1922 with its first Rose Bowl game on January 1, 1923. Originally horseshoe-shaped, the south stands were added in 1928 to complete the bowl. Peak capacity reached 104,091 (1972-1997).

Major Renovations

1928South stands added to complete the bowl shape
2012$170M renovation: new press box and improved amenities
2016New luxury suites and club seats added
2024$80M Lasting Legacy Campaign begins: Field Club, new sound system, sign refurbishment

Notable Moments

Jan 1, 1976UCLA's largest crowd: 105,464 for Rose Bowl vs Ohio State
Jul 17, 1994Hosted FIFA World Cup Final: Brazil vs Italy
Jul 10, 1999Hosted FIFA Women's World Cup Final: USA vs China

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Sections 1-8 and 101-108 are closest to midfield. The renovated Field Club (south end zone) offers premium amenities. East side has new standing area as of 2024. Upper deck provides panoramic San Gabriel Mountains views.

Parking Tips

Rose Bowl lots A-K surround the stadium ($50+). Neighborhood street parking is limited and regulated. Park at Metro Gold Line stations and take shuttle/rideshare. Golf course parking available for overflow. Arrive 2+ hours early—Pasadena traffic is challenging.

Game Day

Tailgating is a Rose Bowl tradition—lots open 5 hours early. Walk the beautiful Arroyo Seco grounds before kickoff. Clear bag policy enforced. The stadium is 26 miles from UCLA campus, so campus atmosphere is limited. After games, explore Old Town Pasadena restaurants and bars.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Lucky Baldwin's Pub

$$

Old Town pub with British ales and a lively soccer-friendly crowd.

📍 2.5 miles17 S Raymond Ave

💡 Go early—Old Town fills fast after games.

King's Row Gastropub

$$

Modern gastropub known for craft cocktails and upscale bar food.

📍 2.4 miles20 E Colorado Blvd

💡 Great spot for postgame drinks on Colorado Blvd.

Rocco's Tavern

$$

Open-air bar with numerous TVs and a lively gameday atmosphere.

📍 2.5 miles44 W Green St

💡 Great for watching morning games before heading to the Arroyo.

The Blind Donkey

$$$

Speakeasy-style whiskey bar in Old Town with a massive selection and craft cocktails.

📍 2.5 miles53 E Union St

💡 Excellent spot for a more sophisticated post-game drink.

🍽️Restaurants

Pie 'n Burger

$$

Pasadena institution serving classic burgers and pies since 1963.

📍 2.2 miles913 E California Blvd

💡 Try the classic pie slice for dessert.

The Original Tops

$

Classic diner-style spot with burgers, breakfast, and milkshakes.

📍 3.5 miles3838 E Colorado Blvd

💡 Quick-service option if you are heading out fast.

Lucky Boy Drive-In

$

Local favorite known for massive breakfast burritos and classic burgers.

📍 2.8 miles640 S Arroyo Pkwy

💡 The breakfast burrito is legendary—big enough for two.

🏨Hotels

The Westin Pasadena

$$$

Full-service hotel near the convention center and Old Town.

📍 2.6 miles191 N Los Robles Ave

💡 Ask about parking packages for game weekends.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

$$$$

Historic luxury resort located on 23 acres with stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

📍 4.5 miles1401 S Oak Knoll Ave

💡 The ultimate luxury experience in Pasadena. Perfect for Rose Bowl game stays.

🎭Attractions

The Gamble House

$$

National Historic Landmark showcasing famed Arts and Crafts architecture.

📍 1.8 miles4 Westmoreland Pl

💡 Book tours in advance—limited walk-up spots.

Norton Simon Museum

$$

World-renowned art collection featuring European paintings and South Asian sculpture.

📍 2 miles411 W Colorado Blvd

💡 Beautiful sculpture garden—perfect for a quiet pre-game stroll.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Rose Bowl Lot K

$50
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Popular tailgating area with easy stadium access.

🅿️

Brookside Park Lot

$50
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Large overflow lot with quick exits to the 210 freeway.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Rose Bowl Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Rose Bowl Stadium

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.