Who Plays at Rose Bowl Stadium? Teams and Events

By Sarah Miller · March 15, 2031

The Rose Bowl Stadium, located in Pasadena, California, is primarily home to the UCLA Bruins football team and hosts major events such as the annual Rose Bowl Game, College Football Playoff semifinals, FIFA World Cup matches, and international soccer friendlies.

Overview of Teams and Events at the Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the most iconic outdoor athletic venues in the United States. Opened in 1922, it has a seating capacity of over 90,000 and serves as a multi-purpose stadium for college football, professional soccer, and global sporting events. The primary tenant is the UCLA Bruins, who have played their home games there since 1982.

Primary Teams Playing at the Rose Bowl

UCLA Bruins (NCAA Football): The main long-term tenant of the stadium.
Rose Bowl Game Participants: Annual matchup between teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences (historically), now rotating under the College Football Playoff system.
LA Galaxy (MLS): Played select high-profile matches here, especially during playoff runs or special events.
United States Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams (USMNT & USWNT): Frequent hosts of international friendlies and tournaments.
International Club Teams: Hosts exhibition matches featuring clubs like FC Barcelona, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.

Rose Bowl Game and College Football Legacy

Known as "The Granddaddy of Them All," the Rose Bowl Game has been held annually since 1902 (except in 1942 due to WWII). It traditionally featured champions from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. Since 2014, it also rotates as a host site for the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Key Facts About the Rose Bowl Game

First played: January 1, 1902 (revived permanently in 1916)
Traditional conference tie-ins: Big Ten vs. Pac-12
CFP appearances: 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024
Most appearances by a team: USC Trojans (35 times)
Most wins: Michigan Wolverines (5 wins)

Soccer at the Rose Bowl: International and Domestic Matches

The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile soccer events, including two FIFA World Cup Finals — 1994 Men's World Cup Final and 1999 Women's World Cup Final. These landmark events solidified its status as a premier soccer venue in North America.

Notable Soccer Events Held at the Rose Bowl

1994 FIFA Men's World Cup Final: Brazil vs. Italy (Brazil won on penalties)
1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final: USA vs. China (USA won 5–4 on penalties)
CONCACAF Gold Cup matches
International club friendlies (e.g., El Clásico abroad)
U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team exhibitions

Event	Year	Audience	Teams Involved	Result
Rose Bowl Game	2024	89,187	Penn State vs. Utah	Penn State 35–21
FIFA Men's World Cup Final	1994	94,194	Brazil vs. Italy	Brazil won 3–2 on PKs
FIFA Women's World Cup Final	1999	90,185	USA vs. China	USA won 5–4 on PKs
UCLA Home Game (vs. USC)	2023	69,706	UCLA vs. USC	USC won 43–38
International Friendly (Barcelona vs. Juventus)	2017	76,811	Barcelona vs. Juventus	Barcelona won 2–1

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The attendance figures show the enduring popularity of both college football and international soccer at the Rose Bowl. The 1999 Women's World Cup Final set a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, a mark that stood for decades. Even recent non-CFP Rose Bowl Games draw near-capacity crowds, highlighting continued fan engagement.

Other Uses and Special Events

Beyond sports, the Rose Bowl hosts concerts, religious gatherings, and community events. Notably, it has welcomed performers like The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and U2. It also serves as the finish line for the Amgen Tour of California cycling race and has hosted large-scale public events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance.

Non-Sporting Events at the Venue

Musical concerts by globally renowned artists
Easter Sunrise Services with thousands in attendance
High school graduation ceremonies
Charity runs and walks
Film and television production location

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays at the Rose Bowl Stadium

Who plays their home games at the Rose Bowl Stadium?

The UCLA Bruins football team plays their home games at the Rose Bowl Stadium. They moved there in 1982 from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Does any NFL team play at the Rose Bowl?

No NFL team currently plays at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Historically, the Los Angeles Rams played there temporarily in 1979–1980 while Anaheim Stadium was being renovated, but no NFL team calls it home today.

What college teams play in the Rose Bowl Game?

Traditionally, the Rose Bowl Game features the champions of the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. Under the College Football Playoff system, it hosts semifinal matchups on rotation, which can include teams from any conference.

Has the US Men's Soccer Team played at the Rose Bowl?

Yes, the U.S. Men's National Team has played multiple times at the Rose Bowl, including during the 1994 FIFA World Cup and various friendly matches against top international sides.

Do LA Galaxy or other MLS teams use the Rose Bowl regularly?

The LA Galaxy do not play regular-season MLS games at the Rose Bowl. However, they have used it for special events, playoffs, or when Dignity Health Sports Park was unavailable. The stadium hosted early MLS Cup finals before the league built larger dedicated venues.