Rose Bowl Game 2025 Start Time: What Time Does It Begin?

By Sarah Miller · August 22, 2048

The Rose Bowl Game 2025 will kickoff at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on January 1, 2025. The game will be held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, and broadcast nationally on ESPN.

What Time Does the Rose Bowl Game Start in All Time Zones?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most iconic college football bowl games, traditionally played on New Year's Day. For fans across the United States and around the world, knowing the exact start time in their local time zone is essential for planning viewing parties or scheduling travel.

Here’s the official kickoff time converted into major U.S. time zones:

Eastern Time (ET): 5:00 PM
Central Time (CT): 4:00 PM
Mountain Time (MT): 3:00 PM
Pacific Time (PT): 2:00 PM
Alaska Time (AKT): 1:00 PM
Hawaii Time (HT): 11:00 AM

International Viewing Times

Fans tuning in from outside the U.S. should note the following approximate start times:

London, UK: 10:00 PM GMT
Paris, France: 11:00 PM CET
Tokyo, Japan: 7:00 AM JST (January 2)
Sydney, Australia: 9:00 AM AEDT (January 2)

Rose Bowl Game 2025 Details

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game marks the 111th edition of this historic contest. As part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, the 2025 matchup features a New Year's Six semifinal, meaning the winner advances to the CFP National Championship game.

Key details include:

Date: January 1, 2025 (New Year's Day)
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Broadcast Network: ESPN (also available via ESPN+ streaming)
Teams: To be determined by CFP rankings (finalized December 2024)
Capacity: Approximately 91,000 spectators

Year	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Winner	Score	Airline Partner
2022	Jan 1	5:00 PM	Ohio State	48–45	United Airlines
2023	Jan 2*	5:00 PM	TCU	51–45	United Airlines
2024	Jan 1	5:10 PM	Michigan	27–20	United Airlines
2025	Jan 1	5:00 PM	TBD	TBD	United Airlines

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistent kickoff times over recent years, typically beginning at or near 5:00 PM ET. The 2023 game was delayed to January 2 due to conflicts with NFL playoff scheduling. United Airlines has been the official airline partner since 2020, reinforcing the game’s national appeal.

How to Watch the Rose Bowl Game Live

There are several ways to catch the 2025 Rose Bowl Game live, whether you're watching from home or on the go.

Television Broadcast

The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. Subscribers with cable or satellite TV can tune in using standard channel lineups. Check your local provider for the exact channel number.

Streaming Options

For cord-cutters, the game can be streamed live via:

ESPN+ (requires subscription; supports mobile, tablet, and smart TV apps)
Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV
FuboTV
Sling TV (Blue plan)

All services offer cloud DVR and multi-device support, allowing fans to pause, rewind, or watch on multiple screens.

Tips for Attending the Rose Bowl Game In Person

Attending the Rose Bowl Game live is a bucket-list experience for many college football fans. Here are key tips for those planning to attend:

Arrive early: Gates open at 12:00 PM PT. Traffic and parking near the stadium can be heavy.
Check bag policy: Only clear bags (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" are permitted.
Dress warmly: Despite Southern California weather, temperatures can drop in the evening.
Use public transit: Metro Rail’s Gold Line stops at Memorial Park, just a short walk from the stadium.
Pre-game events: Attend the pregame parade and tailgating festivities starting at 8:00 AM PT.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl Game Start Time

What time does the Rose Bowl game start in 2025?

The Rose Bowl Game 2025 starts at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2025.

Is the Rose Bowl game on New Year’s Day every year?

Traditionally, yes. However, when January 1 falls on a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2 to avoid conflict with NFL games. In 2025, January 1 is a Wednesday, so the game will be played as scheduled.

What channel is the Rose Bowl game on?

The Rose Bowl Game will be broadcast live on ESPN in the United States. International viewers can access coverage through ESPN International or local sports networks.

How long does the Rose Bowl game usually last?

A typical Rose Bowl Game lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, including halftime and potential overtime. Expect the game to conclude between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM ET.

Why is the Rose Bowl game so important?

The Rose Bowl is one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football. In 2025, it serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal, making it a critical step toward the national championship.