When Does the Rose Bowl Start? 2026 Kickoff Time

By Sarah Miller · August 27, 2033

The Rose Bowl Game for 2026 is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2026. This marquee College Football Playoff semifinal will be held at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, and broadcast nationally on ESPN.

What Is the Rose Bowl Game?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games in the United States. First played in 1902, it has become a New Year's Day tradition, traditionally featuring top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. Since 2014, it has also served as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal game in rotating years.

Key Facts About the Rose Bowl

First played: January 1, 1902 (modern era began in 1916)
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Capacity: Approximately 92,542
Broadcast Network: ESPN (exclusive)
Typical Start Time: 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT)
Organizer: Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association

2026 Rose Bowl: What You Need to Know

The 2026 Rose Bowl Game will be especially significant as it will serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal. With expanded playoff format beginning in 2024, six additional bowls—including the Rose Bowl—will host quarterfinal and semifinal matchups on a rotating basis.

2026 Game Details

Date: January 1, 2026 (Thursday)
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
Expected Teams: Top-ranked CFP teams (bracket announced December 2025)
Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN App (live stream with authentication)
Ticket Availability: Tickets typically go on sale late summer 2025 via official channels

Rose Bowl Kickoff Times by Year

Year	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Kickoff Time (PT)	TV Network	Average Viewers (Millions)
2022	January 1	5:00 PM	2:00 PM	ESPN	15.8
2023	January 2	5:00 PM	2:00 PM	ESPN	17.1
2024	January 1	5:00 PM	2:00 PM	ESPN	16.3
2025	January 1	5:00 PM	2:00 PM	ESPN	15.9 (est.)
2026 (Projected)	January 1	5:00 PM	2:00 PM	ESPN	18.0+ (est.)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows consistent kickoff times over recent years, with the game starting at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Viewership is expected to rise in 2026 due to its College Football Playoff semifinal status. The Rose Bowl consistently ranks among the most-watched non-NFL postseason games.

How to Watch the Rose Bowl

Viewers across the U.S. can watch the 2026 Rose Bowl live on ESPN. International fans can access broadcasts through ESPN International or local sports networks holding rights.

Viewing Options

Cable/Satellite: Tune to ESPN at 5:00 PM ET
Streaming: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV (requires subscription)
Radio: Westwood One provides national radio coverage
In-Person: Tickets available via university allocations, Tournament of Roses members, and limited public sales

Why the Rose Bowl Start Time Matters

The 5:00 PM ET slot ensures optimal national viewership, balancing East and West Coast audiences. As a primetime broadcast event, it avoids direct competition with other major bowl games earlier in the day. The timing also allows for post-game analysis and transitions into evening entertainment programming.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl

When does the 2026 Rose Bowl start?

The 2026 Rose Bowl Game is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2026.

Is the 2026 Rose Bowl a playoff game?

Yes, the 2026 Rose Bowl will serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal game under the expanded 12-team playoff format introduced in 2024.

Where is the Rose Bowl played?

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 can I get tickets to the Rose Bowl?

Tickets are distributed through team allotments, the Tournament of Roses membership, and select ticket vendors. Public sales usually begin in late summer or early fall preceding the game. Prices vary widely based on demand and seating.

What time do gates open at the Rose Bowl?

Stadium gates typically open around 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) on game day. Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to pregame festivities, including the Rose Parade.

Does the Rose Bowl always start at 5 PM ET?

Since 2008, the Rose Bowl has consistently kicked off at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Only weather or extreme circumstances have caused deviations in the past.