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Since opening in 1922, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena has hosted some of the biggest events in sports, including five Super Bowls, two Summer Olympics, and about a gazillion college football games. Although its history is long and storied, today the stadium is mostly known for the Rose Bowl game, which has been played here every January 1st since the Roosevelt administration (Teddy, not Franklin). In 2010, the stadium set an all time record with a capacity crowd of 94,392 showing up to watch the Rose Bowl game. That's bigger than the population of Rhode Island! Well, not quite but you get the point. So now that college football season is in full swing, here's everything you'll need to know when visiting the Rose Bowl.
Where is the Rose Bowl located?
The Rose Bowl is located in Pasadena. Its official address is 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, 91103.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets for all Rose Bowl events, including Bruins' games, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. The Rose Bowl also has premium seats available for purchase. More information on these tickets is available on its website.
How do I get there by public transportation?
Your best bet for public transportation when traveling to the Rose Bowl is the Metro Gold Line. It stops at the Memorial Park Station, which is about a two-block walk from Parsons Engineering in Old Town Pasadena. From there you can hop on a free shuttle that will drop you off right in front of the stadium gates. On gameday, the free shuttle will be operating for three hours prior to the opening kickoff, and will run continuously until two hours after the game's end. You can find more information about the free shuttle here.
How do I get there by car?
Those coming from West Hollywood or Hollywood can take the 101 South to the 110 North. Merge onto US-66 East, and drive for five miles. Get off at Exit 30A, toward Avenue 64. Turn right onto West Colorado Blvd.; right on North Linda Vista Ave.; right on Secco St.; left on North Arroyo Blvd.; the Rose Bowl will be on your left.
If you're coming from South Bay and the beach cities, take the 405 North for 20 miles. Take the exit onto the 101 South, and drive for five and a half miles. From there you'll want to take the 134 East for 12 and a half miles, and get off at the San Rafael Ave. exit. Turn right onto N. San Rafael Ave.; left onto W. Colorado Blvd.;
If you're coming from the San Fernando Valley, take the 170 South, and merge onto the 134 East. Drive for 12 and a half miles, and get off at the San Rafael Ave. exit. Turn right onto N. San Rafael Ave.; left onto W. Colorado Blvd.; right onto N. Linda Vista Ave.; right on Secco St.; left on North Arroyo Blvd.; the Rose Bowl will be on your left.
Those coming from Orange County should take the 5 North for 30 miles. Take Exit 137B and merge onto US-66 East. Get off at Exit 30A, toward Avenue 64. Turn right onto West Colorado Blvd.; right on North Linda Vista Ave.; right on
What's the parking like if I drive?
The Rose Bowl has an enormous parking lot located around the stadium. It opens six hours prior to the start of the game and costs $20 for an all day pass. And yes, tailgating is allowed.
What's the seating situation like?
The Rose Bowl can seat a capacity crowd of just under 95,000, meaning it can be a little tight during big games. The stadium has a traditional set-up, with both wooden benches and regular seats. But unlike Lambeau Field in Green Bay and other outdoor football stadiums, you'll never get frostbite while watching a game here. Ah, the privileges of living in Southern California…
Are there any good places to eat around there?
Since it's a short distance away from Old Town Pasadena, there are dozens of great bars and restaurants located around the Rose Bowl, like Barney's Beanery, Sushi Roku, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. For a full list of all the restaurants in the area, visit www.oldpasadena.org.
Where can I learn more about the Rose Bowl?
For more information on the Rose Bowl, including an updated calendar of all upcoming events, visit www.rosebowlstadium.com.
