For more than 40 years, the UCLA Bruins football program has played its home games in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl. The stadium is among the most historic in the country and a great venue to watch a game.
This year marks a major change for Bruins fans as UCLA moves from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. While it means a host of new conference rivals, the Rose Bowl remains relatively unchanged. (See our notes on the student section below for one of this year’s few changes.)
If you have plans to attend a Bruins home game this season, PlayCA has you covered.
No, you can’t bet on UCLA football yet, as California sports betting remains illegal.
This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know about attending a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl.
Getting to the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103.
There are a number of ways you can get to the Rose Bowl for a UCLA football game this season. Here are some of the more common options:
405 North
If you’re exiting from the 405 North, you’ll want to take the San Diego Freeway to Wilshire Blvd East.
From there, you’ll go three blocks east to Westwood Blvd. Take a left on Westwood and then in five blocks, you’ll hit the Rose Bowl’s information and parking booth.
405 South
When taking 405 South, exit onto Sunset East. From there, go east toward Westwood Plaza.
From there, take a right and it won’t be long until you hit the stadium’s information and parking booth.
East off Santa Monica Freeway
On the Santa Monica Freeway, you’ll want to exit off 405 North and turn on Wilshire Blvd East. From there, you should go three blocks until you hit Westwood Blvd.
Take a left and then in five blocks, you’ll see the Rose Bowl.
Public transportation options
If you don’t want to drive yourself to the Rose Bowl, public transportation is available for fans.
The BruinBus provides 365-day service across the UCLA campus. You can use the TripShot app to keep track of where busses are located on game days.
Other options include:
- Long Beach Transit (LBT)
- LADOT Commuter Express
- Santa Clarita Transit Commuter Express
- Antelope Valley Transit Authority
Additionally, a free shuttle is available for those close to the stadium looking for a quick ride. It starts three hours before kick-off on game days, but ceases operation about 90 minutes after games conclude. These shuttles are handicap and wheelchair accessible.
Parking at the Rose Bowl
UCLA football fans have plenty of choices when it comes to parking for a game at the Rose Bowl.
General parking lots open six hours before kickoff each Saturday. Those lots are at the golf course, ball diamonds, Area H, and West Drive RV parking. Lots close 90 minutes following the conclusion of football games. Because of this, overnight parking is not allowed.
General parking pass
You can purchase a general parking pass in advance from the City of Pasadena for $25. That pass is good at Lot H, Brookside Park and the golf course.
Fans are welcome to buy passes on the day of games, but they will cost $30. So, it may be worth it to buy your pass in advance.
Parsons lot
A cheaper option is the Parsons lot in Pasadena. A parking pass for a spot here is $18 if you buy your ticket in advance. Parking passes on game day will cost a maximum of $24.
There is a complimentary shuttle to and from the Rose Bowl available at the Parsons lot. The shuttle runs continuously starting three hours prior to kick-off up until one hour following the conclusion of the game.
Large vehicles
Fans driving RVs are more than welcome to park at the Rose Bowl as well. Passes for RV parking are $150, and you must park in a designated RV lot.
If parking an RV, you must use Linda Vista and Seco Street. The same goes for bus parking, too. These lots open six hours prior to kick-off on game days.
ADA accessible parking
The Rose Bowl has a total of 334 accessible parking spots located in Lots B, D and F.
Fans cannot reserve these spots, as they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those looking to use one of the accessible parking spots must provide a state-issued placard or have a license plate designating their use.
For more UCLA football parking information, call (310) UCLA-WIN (825-2946) or email [email protected].
Tailgating at the Rose Bowl
Fans are welcome to tailgate at the Rose Bowl ahead of UCLA home football games.
Parking in designated tailgate areas is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once you arrive at your parking spot, your tailgate area may only be in your spot, either in front of or behind your vehicle. All fans must keep the roads and other parking areas free for cars going in and out.
When grilling, you cannot use any sort of an open flame. Charcoal grills are prohibited in the RV parking lot, and all barbecue grills must be off the ground.
Additionally, you cannot participate in any sort of drinking games while tailgating at these spots. Law enforcement will take care of fans exhibiting public intoxication and alcohol impairment while tailgating.
In general, no alcoholic beverages are allowed at these designated tailgate areas.
Choosing your seats
The Rose Bowl is one of the largest stadiums in the country, boasting a capacity of 91,136. It’s a historic venue not just for college football fans, but sports enthusiasts in general.
Premium seating
The Rose Bowl has a number of options for those wanting premium seating. In total, the stadium has 1,200 club seats, 48 four-person loge boxes, and 54 suites.
The two club lounges reside on Level D in both the north and south end zones. Another lounge is at the 50-yard line.
Fans can also hang out in the Blue Moon Club by going through Sections 16-21 at Row 77. They can get there via the west concourse, too.
Student section
The student section for UCLA football games (The Den) has expanded for 2024. It now extends from Sections 2-6, located close to the 50-yard-line behind the opponents’ bench.
Traditional seating options
The blue zone extends around the entire stadium and includes options in upper and lower levels. These spots begin in the first nine rows.
Finding your gate
You can reach your sets from almost any gate entering the Rose Bowl. However, here are the sections closest to certain gates, to help streamline your game day experience.
- Gate A: Sections 24, 25, 26, and Court of Champions
- Gate B: Sections 1, 2, 3, 27 and 28
- Gate C: Sections 4, 5, 6, students, and student will call
- Gate D: Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10
- Gate N: Sections 11, 12 and 13
- Gate E: Sections 14, 15 and 16
- Gate F: Sections 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Terry Donahue Pavilion, and Blue Moon Club
- Gate G: Sections 22 and 23
ADA accessible seating
Accessible seating is available to fans at the Rose Bowl. This is available for those using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, four-prong canes or oxygen tanks. Service animals are also allowed, too.
The accessible seating pairs one seat with a companion seat. Those spots are located on the east side on the concourse. Tunnels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 28 all lead toward 162 accessible seating options.
On the concourse’s west side, the same amount of accessible seats are available via tunnels 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.
The Rose Bowl’s field level includes accessible seating as well. Those spots are accessible for wheelchair users through Tunnel 28.
Wheelchair assistance is possible at the Rose Bowl, but is subject to availability. Fans can plan ahead, though. For more accessible seating information and to request wheelchair assistance, get in touch with a Customer Service Ambassador at (310) 825-2946.
You can also text (626) 400-5119 once inside the Rose Bowl. This service is also available at the end of the game.
Tunnel 28
Tunnel 28 is an important place to know when attending UCLA football games at the Rose Bowl. That is because it houses a number of resources for fans.
If you or someone near you needs medical attention during games, the stadium’s first aid is located across from Tunnel 28 on the concourse.
In addition, the lost and found spot resides in the administration office at Tunnel 28, too. Customer service and the police headquarters is also at Tunnel 28.
Best food at the Rose Bowl
Fans can select a number of different options for food while attending a game.
The Court of Champions is a favorite, located at Gate A. Here, UCLA fans will find favorites such as La Calaca Fish Tacos, Spireworks and Chips Guac & Salsa.
The concessions don’t stop there, though, as fans can purchase other options all across the stadium. Popular options include bacon cheeseburgers, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, carne asada, churros, crepes, kettle corn, polish sausage, and teriyaki chicken.
Bottled water, coffee, frozen lemonade, smoothies and soda is also available and the several concession areas at the Rose Bowl.
Rose Bowl bag policy
Fans are allowed one clear bag, along with a small clutch bag. The clear bag can either be a one-gallon ziplock bag or a 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear bag. The clutch purses must be no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ and cannot have a handle or strap.
Diaper bags are permitted, but they will be searched prior to entry.
Clear bags available
Don’t have a clear bag? If you’re a UCLA season ticket holder, the school will give you a souvenir logo clear plastic bag free of charge.
For non-season ticket holders, UCLA will hand out clear bags at the fan assistance tents and security bike patrols outside the Rose Bowl. These will be available for the first two home games of the season. Afterward, bags will be available for purchase on the UCLA campus and at the store in Area H on game days.
Additionally, these items, among others, are banned from the stadium:
- Animals
- Banners, signs or flags
- Beverage containers larger than 32 oz./one liter
- Cans, glass bottles and any alcoholic beverages
- Drones
- Laser pointers
- Noisemakers
- Umbrellas
- Outside food
- Weapons or projectiles
It’s worth noting that fans can bring strollers into the Rose Bowl. However, they cannot be stored in the aisles between seats or underneath seats.
Fans bringing in strollers will have to check them in at the guest services, located at Tunnel 18 or at the checked items tent at Gate C.
How much does it cost to see a game at the Rose Bowl?
Ticket prices vary, so it depends on where exactly you’re sitting for the game. The opponent matters, too, as prices will typically be higher for a Big Ten rivalry game than a non-conference contest.
According to TicketSmarter, the average cost to attend a 2024 UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl is $198.72. Most tickets, though, start around $30.
Fans will have the cheapest options this season in seats higher up within the Rose Bowl. For example, tickets for the team’s final home game against Fresno State on Nov. 30 start at $22.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much it would cost four people to attend a UCLA football game this season at the Rose Bowl:
- Tickets: $140 (Four $35 seats)
- Parking: $25 in advance ($30 on game day)
- Total: $165
These figures are for the 2024 season opener against Indiana, and with the cheapest ticket and parking options. Your price could change based on your ticket and game selection.
Of course, your bill will go up if you purchase any food or drink.
UCLA’s 8-clap tradition
One of the longstanding fan traditions for a UCLA football game is the “8-clap.”
Fans will clap eight times and yell the spelling of U-C-L-A, and then shout “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
If you graduated or even attended UCLA briefly, you’re familiar with the clap. It’s something you’re taught as a freshman.
Non-football watching activities at the Rose Bowl
There’s no shortage of things to do around Pasadena if you’re in town for an extended stay before or after a UCLA football game.
Norton Simon Museum
If you want to brush up on your culture, the Norton Simon Museum is a great option. It’s located at 411 W. Colorado Blvd.
It’s open noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from noon to 7 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday each week.
Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena is another great option for sightseeing, with its fantastic architecture. Travelers can have their pick of food and many different shops around the area.
Fan etiquette at the Rose Bowl
The Los Angeles Sports Council Task Force on Fan Behavior has a set of guidelines for those attending games at the Rose Bowl.
The task force’s guideline consists of ten rules:
- Don’t use profanity or other offensive language
- No smoking outside of designated areas
- No excessive intoxication/alcohol consumption
- Do not bring any prohibited items
- Fans cannot throw items or liquids onto the field
- Fans must also refrain from getting onto the field
- No fighting or any kind of threatening behavior
- Fans must present their tickets to event staff if asked
- No reselling of tickets at the Rose Bowl
- Any sort of state or local law violation
Fans refusing to comply with these rules may face ejection from the stadium.
If you wish to report fan misconduct, you can text (626) 400-5119 from inside the stadium.
Choosing your UCLA uniform number
UCLA football fans will have no shortage of uniforms to choose from heading into the 2023-24 season.
From current players to past legends, here’s a look at some of the best jersey numbers to rock inside the Rose Bowl:
- #53 — Darius Muasau
- #15 — Laiatu Latu
- #1 — J. Michael Sturdivant
- #33 — Carson Steele
- #21 — Maurice Jones-Drew
- #8 — Troy Aikman
- #79 — Jonathan Ogden
- #28 — Jackie Robinson
- #51 — Randy Cross
2024 UCLA Bruins home football schedule
| Date | Time | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 14 | 4:30 p.m. | Indiana Hoosiers |
| Sept. 28 | TBD | Oregon Ducks |
| Oct. 12 | TBD | Minnesota Golden Gophers |
| Nov. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Nov. 23 | TBD | USC Trojans |
| Nov. 30 | TBD | Fresno State Bulldogs |
