A fixture in Pasadena for over a century, the Rose Bowl Stadium is more than just an athletic arena—it's a piece of living history.
Since 1922, the National Historic Landmark has served as the stage for some of the most iconic moments in sports, from two Olympic gold medal matches to Brandi Chastain’s game-winning penalty kick at the 1999 Women’s World Cup. Generations of sports legends and A-list musicians alike have taken to the field, including Jackie Robinson. Before he became an MLB trailblazer, he set the record for the longest kickoff in stadium history as UCLA’s quarterback in 1938. And then there’s “the granddaddy of them all”: the Rose Bowl Game, so named for being the country’s oldest college football postseason matchup.
Whether you’re a sports fan or just want to explore one of the West Coast’s most iconic stadiums, here’s a look at how history has shaped the modern-day Rose Bowl experience.
Rose Bowl Stadium History
Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, with palm trees in its front yard and snow-capped peaks as a backdrop, Pasadena’s 90,000-seat Rose Bowl Stadium was built for football. On New Year’s Day 1923, the USC Trojans squared off against the Penn State Nittany Lions, bringing a win for the Golden State as the Rose Bowl Stadium celebrated its official dedication. It’s hosted every Rose Bowl Game since, with the exception of 1942 and 2021, as part of the Tournament of Roses, America’s New Year Celebration. (Learn about how to experience the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl.)
The stadium’s legacy, however, has become so much greater than one game. It’s welcomed fans for five Super Bowls and now serves as the home field for the UCLA Bruins, whose football season stretches from late August until late November or early December.
Some of the biggest international soccer championship games have also taken place down on the field: the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the aforementioned 1999 Women’s World Cup, and 1984 Olympic gold medal match, which set a new attendance record for the sport in the United States. When the Summer Olympics return to Los Angeles in 2028, the stadium will once again host world-class soccer teams competing for the gold, with games slated to take place July 24–25 and July 27–29 (subject to change).
How to Tour Rose Bowl Stadium
Offered three or four times per month, two-hour guided tours let you do more than cheer on your favorite teams. Visitors can go behind the scenes at locations including the working press boxes, locker rooms, and even the gridiron. You’ll also take a walk down memory lane in the original 1922 locker room, now an exhibit showcasing major moments in stadium history.
On your way out, snap a photo with a bronzed likeness of Jackie Robinson, who’s wearing a uniform from his football-playing days at Pasadena City College. There’s also a statue of a triumphant Brandi Chastain on her knees, depicting the moment after the soccer star’s historic goal that made front-page news around the world.
Rose Bowl Stadium Events
Michael Jackson may have set a new standard for Super Bowl halftime entertainment there in 1993, but he’s far from the only superstar to rock the Rose Bowl stage. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, BTS, U2, and The Rolling Stones are just some of the musical acts who have drawn sold-out crowds over the years, and concerts continue to be regularly scheduled on the historic stage.
If concerts aren’t your jam, the stadium also hosts annual special events such as April’s Rose Bowl Rosé Festival that invites guests to sip on, you guessed it, rosé. In the fall, the longstanding Rose Bowl Turkey Trot welcomes all ages to kick off the holiday by tackling the Rose Bowl 5k recreational loop on Thanksgiving morning, while the Droneart Show presents hundreds of elaborately choreographed drones darting across the sky in time with classical music.
Rain or shine, you can also join 20,000 shoppers the second Sunday of every month at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the largest on the West Coast. Arrive early for the best bargains and selections from 2,500 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage threads, and local art. And who knows—maybe you’ll catch a celebrity sighting at this 50-year-old event that’s been called the “flea market of the stars.”
What to Eat at Rose Bowl Stadium
Inside the Rose Bowl, you’ll find a wide array of stadium staples—burgers, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, soft pretzels, and sweets—alongside nods to SoCal tastes like tacos and barbecue and numerous vegetarian and gluten-free options. The venue is fully cashless, so bring a card or tap-to-pay. For a comprehensive list of what items are available where, check out the Rose Bowl dining page.
Food options expand outside the gates. In Brookside Park you’ll often see pre-event “fan zone” areas with food tents and trucks. For a sit-down meal before or after, head five minutes to Old Pasadena: Colorado Boulevard and the surrounding blocks have dozens of restaurants, cafes, brewpubs, and dessert shops across every price point.
Where to Stay Near Rose Bowl Stadium
Old Pasadena is a great place to base yourself for proximity to the Rose Bowl and walkable dining. The Westin Pasadena and Hyatt Place Pasadena sit by the civic center and shops, while the Courtyard by Marriott Old Pasadena and Residence Inn Los Angeles Pasadena/Old Town offer suites steps from Colorado Boulevard. Just south, the historic Pasadena Hotel & Pool and the Hilton Pasadena provide full-service comforts and quick rideshare hops to Brookside Park.
For a splurge, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, set on manicured grounds 2 miles away, adds spa pampering and classic glamour. Travelers seeking value can look at reliable motels along Colorado Blvd. or nearby Glendale, then use rideshare or the game-day shuttle to reach the stadium.
How to Get to Rose Bowl Stadium
Parking at the Rose Bowl is plentiful; it's best to buy a pass in advance, as same-day rates can be higher, and some lots do sell out. It's important to arrive early—roads into the Arroyo Seco back up well before gates open. Tailgating is allowed only in designated areas and the venue is cashless (parking, concessions, and most vendors).
If you’d rather skip parking altogether, ride Metro to Old Pasadena (Memorial Park/Del Mar stations) and use the event-day shuttles that typically run between Old Pasadena/Parsons and the stadium—check the specific game or concert page the week of your visit for hours and pickup points. Biking is also popular on the Rose Bowl Loop; look for bike racks near the stadium entrances.
Know before you go: The Rose Bowl Stadium has a clear-bag policy for all events.