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40 Facts About Rose Bowl Stadium

Selle Hufford

Written by Selle Hufford

Modified & Updated: 30 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Britannica.com

Why is the Rose Bowl Stadium so iconic? Located in Pasadena, California, the Rose Bowl Stadium stands as a monumental piece of sports history. Designed by Myron Hunt in 1921, this stadium has hosted countless significant events, from the annual Rose Bowl Game to five Super Bowls and even the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final. Originally built as a horseshoe with 57,000 seats, it has expanded over the years to accommodate nearly 90,000 fans. Recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, the Rose Bowl is not just a venue; it's a symbol of American sports culture and history.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rose Bowl Stadium, with its iconic horseshoe design and rich history, has been a landmark for major sports events and broadcasting innovations since its opening in 1922.
  • From hosting the oldest college football postseason bowl game to pioneering broadcasting firsts, the Rose Bowl Stadium stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance and technological advancement in the world of sports.
Table of Contents
01Construction and Design
02Early Milestones
03Growth and Recognition
04Hosting Major Events
05Broadcasting Milestones
06Technological Firsts
07Memorable Moments
08Accessibility Challenges
09Home to UCLA Bruins
10Historic Events
11Renovations and Upgrades
12Broadcasting Firsts
13Iconic Symbol
14The Legacy of Rose Bowl Stadium

Construction and Design

Rose Bowl Stadium stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and historical significance. Let's dive into its origins and design.

  1. Construction and Design: Architect Myron Hunt designed the Rose Bowl in 1921, drawing inspiration from the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, which opened in 1914.

  2. Location: Nestled in the Arroyo Seco, the stadium is just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

  3. Original Configuration: Initially, the Rose Bowl was a horseshoe with an open southern end, seating 57,000 spectators.

Early Milestones

The early years of the Rose Bowl were marked by significant events that set the stage for its legendary status.

  1. First Game: The inaugural game at the Rose Bowl took place on October 28, 1922, with California defeating USC 12–0.

  2. Dedication: Official dedication occurred on January 1, 1923, when USC triumphed over Penn State 14–3.

  3. Expansion: By 1928, the southern stands were completed, transforming the stadium into a full bowl and increasing capacity to 57,000 seats.

Growth and Recognition

As the years passed, the Rose Bowl continued to grow in both size and reputation.

  1. Capacity Growth: By 1930, seating capacity had risen to around 85,000 with permanent concrete floors and scoreboards.

  2. Historic Landmark: The Rose Bowl is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a California Historic Civil Engineering landmark.

  3. Modern Capacity: Today, the stadium holds 89,702 seats, making it the 16th-largest stadium globally and the 10th-largest NCAA stadium.

Hosting Major Events

The Rose Bowl has hosted some of the most significant events in sports history.

  1. Super Bowl Host: The stadium has hosted five Super Bowls: XI (1977), XIV (1980), XVII (1983), XXI (1987), and XXVII (1993).

  2. Rose Bowl Game History: The Rose Bowl Game, first played in 1902, is the oldest college football postseason bowl game in America.

  3. First Sellout: The 1936 Rose Bowl Game saw its first sellout, with all 84,784 seats filled.

Broadcasting Milestones

The Rose Bowl has been at the forefront of broadcasting innovations.

  1. Local Telecast: The first local telecast of the Rose Bowl Game aired on KTLA-TV in 1947, with Michigan defeating USC 49–0.

  2. Fourth Expansion: In 1950, the stadium's capacity increased to 100,983, making it the first bowl game to host 100,000 spectators.

  3. Racial Integration: The 1956 Rose Bowl featured two of the most racially integrated college football teams of the era, UCLA and Michigan State.

Technological Firsts

The Rose Bowl has been a pioneer in adopting new technologies for sports broadcasting.

  1. Satellite TV Broadcast: The 1978 Rose Bowl Game was the first college bowl game broadcast via satellite to the Far East.

  2. Music Performances: Depeche Mode performed in 1988, and U2 set an attendance record in 2009 with 97,014 fans.

  3. World Cup Hosting: The stadium hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup Final, with a total attendance of 715,826 over eight matches.

Memorable Moments

The Rose Bowl has been the site of unforgettable moments in sports and entertainment.

  1. One Direction Record: In September 2014, One Direction played three sold-out nights, a first for any act at the Rose Bowl.

  2. BCS Overtime: The 2018 Rose Bowl Game featured a thrilling double-overtime win by Georgia over Oklahoma, 54–48.

Accessibility Challenges

Despite its grandeur, the Rose Bowl has faced challenges in accessibility and parking.

  1. Traffic Issues: Access can be difficult due to single-lane residential streets, often causing visitors to spend hours completing the last mile on game days.

  2. Pacific Electric Interurban Streetcar: Initially, most visitors arrived via the Pacific Electric interurban streetcar system, which ended service in 1958.

  3. Parking Solutions: In 2016, ParkJockey was contracted to streamline parking, adding improved signage, shuttle services, and mobile lighting.

Home to UCLA Bruins

The Rose Bowl has been the home field for the UCLA Bruins football team since 1982.

  1. UCLA Bruins Home: The stadium has served as the home stadium for the UCLA Bruins football team of the Big Ten Conference since 1982.

  2. UCLA-USC Rivalry: The Rose Bowl hosts the UCLA–USC rivalry football game on even-numbered years, alternating with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Historic Events

The Rose Bowl has been the venue for numerous historic events beyond football.

  1. Historic Events: It has hosted the 1984 Olympic Soccer Gold Medal Match and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final.

  2. Court of Champions: Added in 1989, the Court of Champions records standout players and coaches of every Rose Bowl Game, with statues of sports greats like Jackie Robinson and Brandi Chastain.

  3. Rose Bowl Museum: A small museum dedicated to the stadium’s history is located inside one of the original locker rooms, near tunnel 15A.

Renovations and Upgrades

To maintain its iconic status, the Rose Bowl has undergone several renovations and upgrades.

  1. Seismic Strengthening: In 1982, seismic strengthening added a concrete colonnade and support beams under the upper tiers on the south end.

  2. Press Box Expansion: The press box was expanded into a three-story structure in 1992, tripling press capacity and adding 37 luxury boxes.

  3. Field Widening: In 1993, the field was widened, and permanent accessible seating was added near tunnels for the 1994 World Cup.

  4. Concession and Toilets Upgrade: New toilets and concession buildings were added in 1996, along with elevators and more accessible seating.

  5. Media Center Renovation: The locker rooms were renovated, and a new media center was completed in 2007.

  6. Renovation Project: A $152 million renovation from 2011 to 2013 widened tunnels, added new scoreboards and video boards, built new concession stands, and included a Rose Bowl museum.

Broadcasting Firsts

The Rose Bowl has been a pioneer in sports broadcasting, setting several firsts.

  1. First Local Radio Broadcast: The first local radio broadcast of an East-West bowl game took place in 1926.

  2. First Transcontinental Radio Broadcast: The first transcontinental radio broadcast of a sporting event occurred in 1927.

  3. First Local Telecast: The first local telecast of a college football game aired in 1948.

  4. First National Telecast: The first national telecast of a college football game took place in 1952.

  5. First Coast-to-Coast Color Telecast: The first coast-to-coast color telecast of a collegiate football game occurred in 1962.

Iconic Symbol

The Rose Bowl is not just known for its events but also for its iconic symbols.

  1. Iconic Sign: A neon “Rose Bowl” sign with a rose logo was added on the southern entrance in 1949, becoming an iconic symbol of the stadium.

The Legacy of Rose Bowl Stadium

Rose Bowl Stadium stands as a testament to sports history and architectural brilliance. From its inception in 1921 by Myron Hunt to hosting monumental events like the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup, this stadium has seen it all. Its evolution from a 57,000-seat horseshoe to a modern 89,702-seat marvel showcases its adaptability and enduring appeal. The Rose Bowl Game, the oldest college football postseason game, continues to draw massive crowds, while concerts and international matches add to its rich tapestry. Despite traffic woes and parking challenges, the stadium's charm remains undiminished. With its historic landmark status and continuous upgrades, Rose Bowl Stadium is more than just a venue; it's a living piece of history. Whether you're a sports fan, history buff, or just love grand events, this iconic stadium offers something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rose Bowl Stadium so special?
Well, for starters, Rose Bowl Stadium isn't just any old sports venue. It's a historical landmark nestled in Pasadena, California, known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl Game since 1923. This iconic stadium has also been the stage for five Super Bowl games, making it a significant site in American football history. Its unique design and enduring legacy in sports and entertainment events set it apart from the rest.
Can you attend concerts at Rose Bowl Stadium?
Absolutely! Aside from thrilling football games, Rose Bowl Stadium serves as a fantastic outdoor concert venue. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry, turning the field into a massive party for music lovers. So, if you're hoping to catch your favorite band or artist live, keep an eye on the stadium's event schedule.
Is Rose Bowl Stadium open for tours?
Yep, you're in luck! Rose Bowl Stadium offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes, exploring areas typically off-limits during game days. These tours provide a deeper look into the stadium's rich history, architecture, and its role in sports and entertainment. It's a must-do for any sports fan or history buff visiting Pasadena.
What's the seating capacity of Rose Bowl Stadium?
Rose Bowl Stadium boasts an impressive seating capacity, able to accommodate over 90,000 spectators. This makes it one of the largest sports venues in the United States. Whether it's packed for the Rose Bowl Game, a Super Bowl, or a blockbuster concert, the atmosphere is electric, filled with the energy of tens of thousands of fans.
How did Rose Bowl Stadium get its name?
The name "Rose Bowl" stems from the Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual event in Pasadena that predates the stadium. When plans for a new football venue were drawn up, it was designed to host the "Rose Bowl Game," which was part of the Tournament of Roses' festivities. The stadium's name reflects its connection to this floral celebration and the prestigious college football game it hosts.
Can you host private events at Rose Bowl Stadium?
You bet! Rose Bowl Stadium isn't just for sports and concerts; it also opens its doors for private events. From corporate functions and weddings to special celebrations, the stadium offers a unique backdrop for any occasion. Imagine saying "I do" or hosting a gala dinner on the same field where countless historic moments have unfolded.
What's the best way to get to Rose Bowl Stadium?
Getting to Rose Bowl Stadium is a breeze, whether you're driving or using public transportation. Located in Pasadena, it's easily accessible from major highways and has ample parking for those arriving by car. For public transit users, several bus lines stop near the stadium, making it convenient for visitors from near and far to join in on the excitement.

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