Rose Bowl and City Sue UCLA Over Alleged SoFi Move Plan

The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company have initiated legal action against UCLA. They allege the university is planing to transfer its home football games from the Rose Bowl to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This iconic venue has been the home of UCLA football for 43 years.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit stems from accusations that UCLA is breaching its longstanding trust with the community. The Rose Bowl, located 26 miles from UCLA’s campus, has been the Bruins’ football venue since 1982. The current lease agreement extends through 2044.

Concerns Over Attendance and Relocation

Despite its historic significance, the Rose Bowl has faced attendance challenges. This season, UCLA’s average attendance is around 35,000 for its four home games. In contrast, SoFi Stadium, which opened in September 2020, boasts a capacity of 70,240 and lies just 12 miles from UCLA’s campus.

Financial Implications

• Pasadena officials project the potential move could lead to over $1 billion in damages.
• Taxpayer contributions have exceeded $150 million for renovations, with an additional $130 million in recently refinanced bonds for upgrades.

Historical Significance of the Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl is a designated National Historic Landmark, renowned for hosting college football’s most prestigious bowl game since 1922. UCLA has a deep-rooted connection with the stadium, having transitioned from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to the Rose Bowl.

UCLA’s Recent Changes

UCLA has gone through substantial transformations recently. The school switched from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference in 2024, joining other prominent institutions like USC, Washington, and Oregon. Furthermore, the university dismissed second-year head coach DeShaun Foster, appointing interim coach Tim Skipper to lead the team.

As discussions about the possible relocation continue, Pasadena officials remain adamant about protecting their historic stadium and the community’s interests, arguing some commitments are too vital to be compromised.