Rose Bowl Sues UCLA Over Alleged Game Relocation from Historic Stadium

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Rose Bowl Sues UCLA Over Alleged Game Relocation from Historic Stadium

The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company have filed a lawsuit against UCLA. This legal action comes in response to UCLA’s plans to potentially relocate its college football games from the historic Rose Bowl stadium.

Details of the Lawsuit Against UCLA

The lawsuit alleges that UCLA is betraying a long-standing agreement by seeking to move games to SoFi Stadium, home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. UCLA has played at the Rose Bowl since 1982, making it a significant part of their history.

Contractual Obligations and Community Impact

UCLA signed a lease with the Rose Bowl that extends through 2044.
The Rose Bowl stadium is located 26 miles from UCLA’s campus.
SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, is approximately 12 miles away.

The city of Pasadena expressed disappointment over UCLA’s attempt to terminate the lease. They believe that the relocation could inflict economic and reputational harm on the Rose Bowl and the local community.

UCLA’s Attendance Struggles

UCLA has experienced declining attendance at the Rose Bowl, with an average of around 35,000 fans for home games, despite the stadium’s capacity of over 89,000. This struggle is contributing to the discussions about moving to SoFi Stadium, which holds about 70,000 spectators.

Historical Significance of the Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl has been a fixture in American sports since 1922, hosting the iconic Rose Bowl game. It has only missed two events since then due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community’s Response

Pasadena officials stated that they will take steps to protect their contractual rights with UCLA. They emphasized that some commitments should not be discarded for profit, highlighting the importance of tradition in college sports.

This lawsuit illustrates the broader conflict between maintaining sports traditions and the financial pressures facing collegiate athletic programs today. As both sides prepare for what might be a contentious legal battle, the future of UCLA’s football games remains uncertain.