The Rose Bowl: A Stadium of Versatility

    Many words have been used to describe the Rose Bowl: historic, massive, a national landmark. However, there is one aspect to the stadium that may be overlooked: its versatility. Since its inception in 1922, the Rose Bowl has hosted a plethora of events including U2’s 360 Tour, Hall of Fame ceremonies, the Summer Olympics, World Cup, Super Bowls, and UCLA Bruin home games. The Rose Bowl is one of very few venues in the world that can host such a variety of events, while always leaving fans satisfied.
The Rose Bowl is notorious for its annual “Granddaddy of Them All” Bowl game game that takes place on New Year’s Day. The stadium has hosted some epic football battles, including the 2006 National Championship game between the USC Trojans and the Texas Longhorns. The game has been called one of the best college football games ever played, as the two teams battled until the final whistle in the historic stadium. The Rose Bowl will always be known primarily as a site for college football, but will continue to have the ability to host multiple venues. The new renovations currently taking place in the Rose Bowl will make it even more appealing to fans. The concourses will be larger, the seats will be upgraded, and the scoreboard will become one of the best in college football. These changes will not only improve the experience for fans, but will help continue to attract different entities to the stadium.
Although it is the off-season for college football, the Rose Bowl continues to hold multiple events over the summer. Just recently, people have flocked to Pasadena to enjoy Flea Markets, and more people will be coming to celebrate the 4th of July at the annual AmericaFest. The Independence Day festivities will include live music, food, and one of the best firework displays in Southern California. Another specific event that adds to the uniqueness of the stadium is the recent addition of The Gold Cup Final. On June 25th, the Rose Bowl hosted the championship soccer game, as it welcomes USA and Mexico to a sell-out crowd.

"The Next 100 Years"

Since 1922, the Rose Bowl Stadium has been an iconic landmark in Southern California.  Nestled in the foothills of Pasadena, this stadium around the corner has become home to thousands of sports and entertainment fans.  Most well known for the annual Rose Bowl football game on New Year’s Day as well as being the home to the UCLA Bruins, the Rose Bowl Stadium has gained respect and popularity from college football fans throughout the country.  Over the last 89 years, the Rose Bowl has become a popular spot for entertainment of all sorts and has built a relationship with the community.  To honor those who play or perform in the Rose Bowl as well as those who enjoy it, renovation of the stadium has commenced and will offer Rose Bowl Stadium fans of all types a chance to better enjoy the facilities and to renew the already rich history of the venue.

In addition to hosting a number of Super Bowls, two Olympics and World Cup games, various international soccer teams such as Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona as well as musical acts such as U2 have also made their appearances.  The broad range of events held has helped establish the stadium’s reputation as one of the most versatile venues in the country.

Over the next three years, the Rose Bowl Stadium will receive a massive face-lift while still permitting use of the grounds.  The $152 million dollar renovation will enhance the features of the stadium, allowing for a more modern and innovative experience.  With the goal of making the stadium a contemporary venue as well as an effortless environment for its patrons, the remodeling is a true testament to the fact that the Rose Bowl is there for the community.  Among the improvements made will be a new press box which will offer three premium seating products; suites, loge boxes and club seats, a new HD video board, wider tunnels, a more spacious concourse and aisles as well as added concessions and restrooms.   The new slogan “The Next 100 Years” explains perfectly the goal of updating the stadium while preserving the history and iconic status of the Rose Bowl.  It is hoped that the completion of the renovations in 2014 will bring about a new generation of sports and entertainment fans to join those who have called the Rose Bowl Stadium home for many years.  The modernization of one of the most renown and historic venues in the country will not only create a state of the art facility which any sports or musical act and their fans would be proud of and comfortable in, but also to reinforce the Rose Bowl’s nickname of “America’s Stadium.”