Rose Bowl Start Time Today: What Time Is It?

By Sarah Miller · April 10, 2027

The Rose Bowl game today is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2025. The matchup features the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in a College Football Playoff Semifinal showdown, broadcast live on ESPN.

Today's Rose Bowl Game Overview

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal and is one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason. Traditionally held on New Year's Day, the game will take place at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

Key Details for Viewers

Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Date: January 1, 2025
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
Matchup: #1 Michigan vs #4 Alabama
Broadcast Network: ESPN
Streaming Options: ESPN.com, ESPN app, Hulu Live, YouTube TV

Historical Significance of the Rose Bowl

Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," the Rose Bowl is the oldest operating college football bowl game, first played in 1902. It has hosted numerous national championship games and is a marquee event in the College Football Playoff rotation.

Notable Facts About the Rose Bowl

First played: January 1, 1902 (re-established annually since 1916)
Venue capacity: Approximately 92,542
Stadium elevation: 884 feet above sea level
Hosts the Big Ten vs Pac-12 champion in non-playoff years
Part of the New Year's Six bowl lineup

Television and Streaming Information

Fans can watch the Rose Bowl live on ESPN, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for all College Football Playoff games through 2026. For cord-cutters, multiple live TV streaming platforms carry ESPN.

Where to Stream the Game

ESPN App: Requires cable login or valid subscription
Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN and allows DVR functionality
YouTube TV: Offers cloud DVR and multi-device access
Sling TV (Orange plan): Carries ESPN but not ESPN2 or ESPNU
FuboTV: Sports-focused service with full ESPN suite

Year	Winner	Score	Runner-up	Attendance	TV Network
2025	Michigan	27–20	Alabama	91,878	ESPN
2024	Washington	34–31	Tennessee	91,531	ESPN
2023	TCU	51–45	Michigan	89,188	ESPN
2022	Utah	38–10	Ohio State	53,435	ESPN
2020	LSU	28–24	Clemson	88,983	ESPN

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures show strong fan engagement, with recent games nearing full stadium capacity. Michigan’s victory in the 2025 Rose Bowl marked their second consecutive playoff semifinal win at this venue. Broadcast consistency on ESPN highlights the network's central role in major college football events.

Team Profiles: Michigan vs Alabama

Michigan Wolverines (No. 1 Seed)

Record: 13–0 (9–0 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Sherrone Moore
Key Player: Donovan Edwards, RB
Average Points Per Game: 35.2
Strength: Physical offensive line and dominant run game

Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 4 Seed)

Record: 11–2 (7–1 SEC)
Head Coach: Kalen DeBoer
Key Player: Jalen Milroe, QB
Average Points Per Game: 38.7
Strength: Explosive passing attack and dynamic quarterback play

Common Questions About the Rose Bowl Game Today

What time does the Rose Bowl start today in Eastern Time?

The Rose Bowl game starts at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on January 1, 2025. This kickoff time is standard for ESPN’s prime-time New Year’s Day bowl coverage.

Is the Rose Bowl game on TV today? Which channel?

Yes, the Rose Bowl is televised nationally on ESPN. As part of the College Football Playoff agreement, all semifinal and championship games are exclusively broadcast on ESPN and its affiliated networks.

Can I stream the Rose Bowl online for free?

You can stream the Rose Bowl for free via a trial from services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. These platforms offer free trial periods that include access to ESPN and allow live streaming on multiple devices.

Where is the Rose Bowl game played?

The Rose Bowl game is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Located near Los Angeles, the stadium has been the event’s home since 1923 and seats over 92,000 fans.

Why is the Rose Bowl game important?

The Rose Bowl is one of the most prestigious games in college football. In 2025, it serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal, meaning the winner advances to the National Championship game. Its rich history and tradition make it a cornerstone of the sport.