Pasadena Sues UCLA Over Potential Rose Bowl Departure

The city of Pasadena, California, and the Rose Bowl Operating Company filed a lawsuit today against UCLA, alleging the university is attempting to relocate its home football games from the historic Rose Bowl to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The suit claims UCLA is “profoundly” betraying a long-standing trust by considering a move away from the Rose Bowl, where the Bruins have played since 1982. UCLA’s current lease agreement at the Rose Bowl extends through 2044. The dispute centers on declining attendance at the 89,000-seat stadium, which is 26 miles from UCLA’s campus, and the appeal of the newer, 70,240-seat SoFi Stadium, located just 12 miles away. This potential move could significantly impact the financial future of Pasadena, which has invested heavily in Rose Bowl renovations.

According to the lawsuit, a potential relocation could cost Pasadena and its residents over $1 billion in damages, citing more than $150 million in taxpayer-funded renovations and $130 million in recently refinanced bonds for further upgrades. “This lawsuit arises in an era when money too often eclipses meaning and the pursuit of profit threatens to erase the very traditions that breathe life into institutions,” the suit states. UCLA’s outside counsel, David L. Scrader, previously argued in a March letter that preliminary discussions about relocating games did not constitute a breach of contract. You can learn more about the Rose Bowl’s history and significance on its official website.

The legal action comes amid significant changes for UCLA, including its move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten conference in 2024. The university has also experienced coaching changes this season, firing DeShaun Foster and appointing Tim Skipper as interim coach. Officials stated they will vigorously defend the city’s interests and uphold the terms of the existing lease agreement.