Rose Bowl Stadium

On New Year’s Day, or perhaps January 2nd, imagine the sun setting over the San Gabriel Mountains. This breathtaking view is an iconic part of the Rose Bowl Stadium experience. The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena isn’t just a stadium. It’s a living legend. This National Historic Landmark has witnessed a century of thrilling moments, from historic football games to World Cup finals. The Rose Bowl Stadium first opened its gates in October 1922. It was initially designed as a horseshoe shape, holding 57,000 spectators. The south stands were added later in 1928, completing the bowl and expanding its capacity. Interestingly, the Rose Bowl Stadium wasn’t always called that. It was initially referred to as “Tournament of Roses Stadium” or “Tournament of Roses Bowl.” The name “Rose Bowl” was adopted just before the 1923 game, influenced by the Yale Bowl. The stadium’s first game was actually a regular season match between Cal and USC on October 28, 1922. Cal won, handing USC their only loss of the season. The Rose Bowl Stadium is synonymous with the Rose Bowl Game, a post-season college football game held annually. This game, played after the Tournament of Roses Parade, is the oldest bowl game, earning the nickname “The Granddaddy of Them All.” The Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted this iconic game nearly every year since its inception, with the exceptions of 1942 (moved due to Pearl Harbor) and 2021 (COVID-19 restrictions). Beyond football, the Rose Bowl Stadium has hosted five Super Bowls, a remarkable feat for a venue that’s never been the full-time home of an NFL team. It also welcomed the world for the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final, both decided by dramatic penalty shootouts. In 1982, the Rose Bowl Stadium became the home of the UCLA Bruins. The move was prompted by the Oakland Raiders’ move into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, UCLA’s former home. Since then, the stadium has hosted numerous UCLA games, including the intense rivalry games against USC. The Rose Bowl Stadium continues to evolve. Recent renovations have modernized its facilities while preserving its historic charm. The Terry Donahue Pavilion, a seven-story structure, houses press boxes, premium seating, and a broadcast center. A recent addition is a statue honoring Brandi Chastain’s iconic 1999 World Cup celebration.