Rose Bowl 2025 Start Time: When Does It Begin?

By Sarah Miller · March 4, 2028

The Rose Bowl Game 2025 is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2025. This iconic college football game will be held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, and will be televised nationally on ESPN.

What Is the Rose Bowl Game?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football, traditionally played on New Year's Day at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," it is part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation and often features top-ranked teams from major conferences such as the Big Ten and Pac-12.

Key Facts About the Rose Bowl

First played in 1902, making it the oldest operating bowl game
Held annually on January 1, unless that date falls on a Sunday
When January 1 is a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2 to avoid conflict with NFL games
Part of the New Year's Six bowl games and a CFP semifinal site on rotating years
Stadium capacity: approximately 92,542

2025 Rose Bowl Start Time and Broadcast Details

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game will kick off at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT) on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with pre-game coverage beginning several hours earlier. International viewers can stream the game via ESPN+ and select regional sports networks.

Time Zone Conversion for Rose Bowl 2025

Eastern Time: 5:00 PM
Central Time: 4:00 PM
Mountain Time: 3:00 PM
Pacific Time: 2:00 PM
GMT/UTC: 22:00
UK Time: 10:00 PM (January 1)
Australia (AEDT): 9:00 AM (January 2)

Rose Bowl History and Significance

Since its inception, the Rose Bowl has been central to American college football tradition. It gained national prominence through its long-standing tie-ins with the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. The game is also famous for being part of the Tournament of Roses Parade, which takes place earlier in the day on New Year's Day.

In recent years, the Rose Bowl has served as a College Football Playoff semifinal game in rotation with other major bowls. The winner advances to the National Championship game, making it one of the most consequential matchups in the postseason.

Year	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Winner	Score	Attendance
2022	January 1	5:00 PM	Ohio State	48–45	53,336
2023	January 2	5:00 PM	Utah	47–24	53,432
2024	January 1	5:00 PM	Michigan	27–20	52,840
2025 (Projected)	January 1	5:00 PM	TBD	TBD	~90,000

Table data source:1, 2

The table above shows consistent kickoff times at 5:00 PM ET, even when dates shift due to scheduling conflicts. Attendance has remained strong, typically nearing full stadium capacity during non-pandemic years. The 2025 game is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd, especially if it features playoff implications or high-profile programs.

How to Watch the Rose Bowl Game

The 2025 Rose Bowl will be televised nationally on ESPN. Fans can stream the game live via:

ESPN app (with valid cable login)
ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV
FuboTV

International viewers should check local listings or use ESPN’s global streaming options. Pre-game coverage typically begins at 1:00 PM ET, featuring analysis, player interviews, and parade highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl Game

When does the Rose Bowl Game start in 2025?

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

Why is the Rose Bowl sometimes played on January 2?

The game is moved to January 2 when January 1 falls on a Sunday to avoid conflicting with NFL broadcast agreements and Sunday religious observances.

Which teams are playing in the 2025 Rose Bowl?

The teams for the 2025 Rose Bowl will be determined in December 2024 by the College Football Playoff selection committee based on rankings and conference tie-ins.

Is the 2025 Rose Bowl a College Football Playoff game?

Yes, the 2025 Rose Bowl will serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal game, with the winner advancing to the National Championship.

Where is the Rose Bowl Game held?

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

How long does the Rose Bowl Game last?

A typical Rose Bowl Game lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, including halftime and potential overtime periods. With commercials and stoppages, the broadcast usually runs until 9:00 PM ET.

Can I attend the Rose Bowl Game in person?

Yes, tickets are available through the official Rose Bowl website, team allotments, and authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek. Availability depends on demand and team participation.