Where Is Rose Bowl 2025? Location & Game Details

By Sarah Miller · February 13, 2038

The Rose Bowl Game 2025 will be held at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2025. This iconic college football bowl game, part of the New Year's Six and a College Football Playoff semifinal, continues its long-standing tradition at one of America’s most famous sports venues.

What Is the Rose Bowl Game 2025?

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the oldest and most prestigious bowl games in college football. In 2025, it will serve as a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal for the second time under the expanded 12-team playoff format. As such, it will feature two of the top-ranked teams in the nation competing for a spot in the National Championship.

Key Facts About the 2025 Edition

Date: January 1, 2025
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Kickoff Time: Scheduled for approximately 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time)
Game Significance: College Football Playoff Semifinal
TV Network: ESPN (exclusive broadcaster)
Expected Attendance: Over 85,000 fans

Why Is the Rose Bowl Stadium Iconic?

Built in 1922, the Rose Bowl Stadium is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted five Super Bowls, multiple FIFA World Cup matches, Olympic events, and numerous concerts. It is best known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Game since 1916, making it synonymous with New Year’s Day college football.

Historical Highlights

Hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final
Venue for Super Bowls XIV, XXI, XXVII, and others
Home stadium for UCLA Bruins football since 1982
Part of the Tournament of Roses Parade route ending nearby

Year	Date	Winner	Score	Attendance	TV Audience (Millions)
2021	Jan 1	Alabama	31–14	0 (No fans due to pandemic)	10.7
2022	Jan 1	Ohio State	48–45	52,223	11.9
2023	Jan 2	TCU	51–45	78,231	13.4
2024	Jan 1	Michigan	27–20	82,969	14.8
2025 (Projected)	Jan 1	TBD	TBD	85,000+	15.0+ (Estimated)

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance and viewership for the Rose Bowl have steadily increased since returning to full capacity post-pandemic. The 2025 edition, as a playoff semifinal, is expected to draw the largest TV audience in the game’s recent history, surpassing 15 million viewers on ESPN. The stadium’s capacity remains capped near 85,000 for safety and viewing quality.

How to Attend the 2025 Rose Bowl Game

Fans interested in attending the game must act early, as tickets are highly sought after. Official ticket distribution is managed through participating schools, the College Football Playoff committee, and authorized resellers like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek.

Steps to Secure Tickets

Check official school athletic sites for ticket lotteries or priority access
Monitor Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace
Avoid third-party scalpers without buyer guarantees
Consider travel packages that include hotel and game access
Review stadium policies: clear bag rules, prohibited items, entry times

Travel and Accommodations in Pasadena

Pasadena, located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, becomes a hub of activity during the Rose Bowl festivities. The city offers a range of hotels, dining, and cultural attractions.

Recommended Tips for Visitors

Book accommodations 6–12 months in advance; nearby cities like Arcadia and Glendale also offer options
Use public transit: Metro Gold Line stops at Memorial Park, just steps from the stadium
Arrive early to experience pre-game tailgating and fan zones
Combine your trip with the Rose Parade on the same day
Explore local attractions: Norton Simon Museum, Huntington Library, Old Town Pasadena

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl 2025

Where is the Rose Bowl Game 2025 being played?

The Rose Bowl Game 2025 will take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. This venue has hosted the game annually since 1916, except during World War II and the 2021 pandemic year when it was moved to Arlington, Texas.

What time does the Rose Bowl 2025 start?

The kickoff for the 2025 Rose Bowl Game is scheduled for approximately 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on January 1, 2025. The exact start time may vary slightly based on broadcast scheduling by ESPN.

Is the 2025 Rose Bowl a playoff semifinal?

Yes, the 2025 Rose Bowl Game is designated as a College Football Playoff semifinal under the new 12-team format. The winner will advance to the 2025 CFP National Championship game, scheduled for January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Which teams are playing in the 2025 Rose Bowl?

The teams for the 2025 Rose Bowl will be determined by the final College Football Playoff rankings, released in mid-December 2024. As a semifinal, it will feature two of the top four seeds selected by the CFP selection committee.

How can I watch the Rose Bowl 2025 online?

You can stream the Rose Bowl 2025 live via ESPN’s platforms, including ESPN.com, the ESPN app, and services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV that carry ESPN. Authentication with a cable or streaming subscription is required for access.