When Is the Rose Bowl Game Played? 2026 Date & Schedule

By Sarah Miller · July 16, 2050

The Rose Bowl Game is typically held on January 1st each year, or January 2nd if the 1st falls on a Sunday. For 2026, the game is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

What Is the Rose Bowl?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most iconic and historic college football bowl games in the United States. Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," it has been played annually since 1902 (with some exceptions) and is traditionally held on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. The game is part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rotation and often features top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences.

Key Facts About the Rose Bowl

First played in 1902, making it the oldest bowl game in college football.
Held at the Rose Bowl Stadium, seating over 91,000 fans.
Traditionally features the Big Ten vs. Pac-12 champions unless involved in the CFP.
Part of the New Year’s Six bowl games and rotates as a CFP semifinal site.
Known for its post-game fireworks and the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Rose Bowl Date and Schedule Trends

The Rose Bowl consistently takes place around January 1st. When January 1st falls on a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2nd due to NFL scheduling conflicts and religious observances. In years when the Rose Bowl hosts a College Football Playoff semifinal, the date remains consistent with this rule.

Upcoming Rose Bowl Dates

Year	Date	Time (ET)	Location	Event Type
2024	January 1	5:00 PM	Pasadena, CA	CFP Semifinal
2025	January 2	5:00 PM	Pasadena, CA	Traditional
2026	January 1	5:00 PM	Pasadena, CA	Traditional
2027	January 1	TBD	Pasadena, CA	CFP Semifinal

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows a clear pattern: the Rose Bowl avoids Sundays when possible, shifting only when necessary. It alternates between traditional matchups and College Football Playoff semifinals every three years. The 2027 game will again serve as a CFP semifinal, highlighting its pivotal role in determining national champions.

Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff

Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, the Rose Bowl has become a rotating host for semifinal games approximately every three years. During non-semifinal years, it maintains its traditional conference tie-ins.

How Selection Works

In CFP years: Top-ranked teams selected by the CFP committee.
In traditional years: Big Ten and Pac-12 champions play (unless tied to playoff).
Backup agreements allow for alternate teams if conference champs are in the national title game.

Why the Rose Bowl Matters

Beyond tradition, the Rose Bowl impacts national rankings, team legacies, and player draft prospects. Its viewership regularly exceeds 15 million, making it one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the U.S. The stadium itself is a National Historic Landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl

When is the next Rose Bowl game?

The next Rose Bowl Game will be held on January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

Why is the Rose Bowl sometimes played on January 2?

The Rose Bowl is moved to January 2 when January 1 falls on a Sunday to avoid conflicting with NFL games and out of respect for religious traditions associated with New Year’s Day.

Is the Rose Bowl always on New Year’s Day?

Almost always. The game is scheduled for January 1 unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case it is played on January 2.

What time does the Rose Bowl start?

The Rose Bowl typically starts at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time), broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Which teams play in the Rose Bowl?

In traditional years, the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences face off. In College Football Playoff years, the matchup is determined by the CFP selection committee based on rankings.