Rose Bowl Game Time Tomorrow: What You Need to Know

By Sarah Miller · May 29, 2038

The Rose Bowl Game tomorrow will kick off at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and can be streamed via platforms such as Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and the ESPN app.

What Is the Rose Bowl Game?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most prestigious college football bowl games in the United States, held annually in Pasadena, California. Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," it dates back to 1902 and is traditionally played on New Year's Day unless that day falls on a Sunday, when it is moved to January 2. In 2025, the game returns to its traditional date: January 1.

Key Facts About the 2025 Rose Bowl

Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Broadcast Network: ESPN
Teams: Big Ten vs. Pac-12 representative (subject to College Football Playoff selection)
Game Significance: Semifinal matchup in the 2024 College Football Playoff

Why Is the 2025 Rose Bowl Special?

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game holds extra significance because it serves as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal. This means the winner will advance to the CFP National Championship game, scheduled for January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Notable Changes for 2025

This year marks the first season of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format. As a result, more teams have a chance to reach major bowl games like the Rose Bowl. The selection process now includes the top four conference champions receiving automatic bids, with the remaining eight spots filled by at-large teams selected by the CFP Committee.

Year	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Winner	Score	Average Viewers (Millions)
2022	Jan 1	5:00 PM	Ohio State	48–45	16.7
2023	Jan 2	5:00 PM	Utah	47–44	14.3
2024	Jan 1	5:00 PM	Michigan	27–20	18.1
2025 (Projected)	Jan 1	5:00 PM	TBD	TBD	19.0+ (estimated)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The viewership for the Rose Bowl has steadily increased over the past three years, peaking at 18.1 million average viewers in 2024. With the 2025 game serving as a playoff semifinal and featuring potential powerhouse teams, analysts project even higher ratings. The consistent 5:00 PM ET kickoff time ensures optimal national television exposure during prime afternoon viewing hours.

How To Watch the Rose Bowl Game

Fans can watch the Rose Bowl live on ESPN, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights. For cord-cutters, several streaming services offer live access to ESPN:

Hulu + Live TV – Includes ESPN and full replay library
YouTube TV – Offers cloud DVR and multi-device streaming
ESPN App – Free with a cable login or via subscription through ESPN+
FuboTV – Sports-focused streaming service with pre-game coverage

International viewers can access the game via ESPN International, Kayo Sports (Australia), or TSN (Canada), depending on regional availability.

History and Tradition of the Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl Stadium, opened in 1922, is a National Historic Landmark and seats over 92,000 fans. Beyond football, it hosts the annual Rose Parade, concerts, and international soccer matches, including World Cup games.

Iconic Moments

1979: USC's Charles White powers through injury to win MVP honors
2006: Vince Young leads Texas to a national title with a legendary performance
2018: Ohio State vs. USC thriller ends 48–45, one of the highest-scoring Rose Bowls ever

About the Teams in the 2025 Rose Bowl

As a College Football Playoff semifinal, the 2025 Rose Bowl will feature two of the top four ranked teams after the final CFP rankings are released in December 2024. These teams are typically from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, though the expanded playoff allows greater flexibility in matchups.

Potential Contenders (as of late 2024 season)

Ohio State Buckeyes – Strong offense led by quarterback depth
Oregon Ducks – High-powered offense and elite defense
Michigan Wolverines – Defending national champions, strong running game
Washington Huskies – Returning key players from playoff run

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl Game

What time does the Rose Bowl game start tomorrow?

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

Is the Rose Bowl game on TV today?

Yes, the Rose Bowl Game is televised live on ESPN on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. It is not aired on network TV channels like CBS or NBC.

Which teams are playing in the Rose Bowl this year?

The teams for the 2025 Rose Bowl will be determined by the College Football Playoff Committee and announced in early December 2024. The game features a semifinal matchup between two of the top four ranked teams.

Where is the Rose Bowl game played?

The Rose Bowl Game is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Can I stream the Rose Bowl game online?

Yes, you can stream the Rose Bowl live via services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or the ESPN app with authentication from a participating pay-TV provider.

Why is the Rose Bowl game on a Wednesday in 2025?

The Rose Bowl is traditionally played on January 1. In 2025, January 1 falls on a Wednesday, so the game is held on that date. When New Year’s Day is on a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2 to avoid conflict with NFL schedules.