Where Is the Rose Bowl Played? Stadium Location & Facts

By Sarah Miller · June 26, 2032

The Rose Bowl is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, a historic outdoor athletic venue located approximately 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This iconic stadium has hosted the annual Rose Bowl Game since 1923 and is also home to UCLA football, major soccer events, concerts, and other large-scale gatherings.

History and Significance of the Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the most celebrated sports venues in the United States. Opened in 1922, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987 due to its architectural design and cultural impact on American college football.

Key Historical Milestones

First Rose Bowl Game held in 1902 at Tournament Park, but moved permanently to the current stadium in 1923.
Hosted five Super Bowl games (including Super Bowl XI, XIV, XVII, XXI, and XXVII).
Was the site of the 1984 Olympic Soccer Gold Medal match and the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final.
Served as the championship game site for the College Football Playoff, including the 2017 and 2023 semifinals.

Location and Accessibility

The Rose Bowl Stadium sits at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. Nestled against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, the venue offers scenic views and ample space for pre-game festivities.

How to Get There

By Car: Accessible via I-210 and I-134 freeways; parking available on-site and in nearby neighborhoods with permits.
Public Transit: Metro Bus Lines 180/181 and the Metro Gold Line provide direct access to the venue during major events.
Bike Access: The stadium is bike-friendly with designated lanes and secure bike parking.

Rose Bowl Game: Tradition and Format

The Rose Bowl Game is traditionally played on January 1 (or January 2 if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday). It is part of the “Granddaddy of Them All” tradition, making it the oldest operating bowl game in college football.

Game Selection and Conference Tie-Ins

Historically features teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences.
During College Football Playoff (CFP) years, it hosts semifinal matchups regardless of conference affiliation.
If not hosting a CFP game, reverts to its traditional conference matchups.

Year	Date	Teams	Score	Attendance
2025	January 1	Michigan vs. Alabama	27–20 (OT)	93,125
2023	January 2	Utah vs. Penn State	35–21	89,222
2020	January 1	LSU vs. Oklahoma	63–28	91,872
2017	January 2	USC vs. Penn State	52–49	93,293
2014	January 1	Michigan State vs. Stanford	24–20	90,796

Table data source:1, 2

The attendance figures consistently exceed 89,000, reflecting the enduring popularity of the event. The 2025 matchup between Michigan and Alabama marked one of the most competitive overtime games in recent memory, underscoring the stadium’s role in hosting high-stakes, nationally televised contests.

Other Events Hosted at the Rose Bowl Stadium

Beyond college football, the venue supports a wide range of sporting and entertainment events.

Major Non-College Football Events

FIFA Tournaments: Hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, where Brazil defeated Italy in a penalty shootout.
Olympic Games: Venue for soccer matches during the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Concerts: Has welcomed performances by major artists such as U2, The Rolling Stones, and Beyoncé.
Soccer Matches: Regular host for international friendlies and CONCACAF competitions featuring teams like the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl

Where exactly is the Rose Bowl Stadium located?

The Rose Bowl Stadium is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, California, 91103, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles within Brookside Park.

What city does the Rose Bowl take place in?

The Rose Bowl takes place in the city of Pasadena, California, which is part of the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Why is the Rose Bowl not in Roseville or another city named Rose?

The name comes from the "Tournament of Roses," an annual parade established in 1890 by the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena. The stadium was built to host the associated football game and adopted the name accordingly.

Is the Rose Bowl Game always played in the same location?

Yes, with rare exceptions, the Rose Bowl Game has been held at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena every year since 1923. The only disruptions were during World War II and when weather forced relocation in 1942.

Can you tour the Rose Bowl Stadium?

Yes, guided public tours of the Rose Bowl Stadium are available year-round. Visitors can explore the field, press box, locker rooms, and the Walk of Champions. Tickets can be booked through the official Rose Bowl website.