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The long-speculated idea of UCLA leaving the Rose Bowl for its home games has now taken center stage, with a ‘near-done deal’ that would end the Bruins’ nearly 43-year run there. Since 1982, the Bruins have played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Beginning with the 2026 season, they will play their home games at SoFi Stadium, as reported officially. But fans don’t seem to agree with the idea despite the issues with the Rose Bowl stadium. Yes, playing at the Rose Bowl seems hardly convenient to the Bruins, considering it sits 26 miles from campus, and its massive 90,000-seat capacity often leaves sections looking empty. Now, while UCLA officials see SoFi Stadium as the future, which promises far greater revenue than staying put in Pasadena ever could, UCLA beat writer Ben Bolch brings the poll of fan votes on this matter. Among the 1040 votes, 79.5% go for staying at the Rose Bowl, while just 20.5% say to move to SoFi Stadium. Although fans have their reasons for choosing the Rose Bowl over SoFi, the numbers tell a different story. Compared with the Rose Bowl, SoFi is close to the UCLA campus, only 12 miles away. Moreover, the modern venue offers UCLA a total of 70,000 seats with 13,000 premium seats and 260 luxury suites. It not only helps the Bruins fill the stadium easily, with its 20000 fewer seats, but also can bring more revenue with sponsorship opportunities, as per the UCLA officials. That’s why the university aims to buy out its lease with the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the City of Pasadena, with costs estimated between $60 and $80 million. But as it doesn’t expire until June 2044, the moving decision can bring legal issues for the school. Here, Pasadena fired back quickly, while fans also don’t seem to think it will be a good move. On October 29, the city and operators sued UCLA, claiming the school is violating its long-term agreement. Because of that, the departure could spark over $1 billion in damages for UCLA. Still, as the home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and Rams seems to be the place for Bruins home games, fans didn’t stay quiet. UCLA fans make their stance crystal clear Fans are not in denial of the Rose Bowl’s issues, but going to SoFi can solve all of these—that’s the biggest question. One fan put it best, saying, “Problems with the Rose Bowl (in a #UCLA football context): far from campus, too many seats to fill, old (but renovations are scheduled). SoFi Stadium solves exactly ZERO of these issues. Still far, still huge. Still gonna be empty seats. And now we don’t get to see this 💔” Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Looks like, although the numbers may lean with the decision of UCLA’s move, fans’ emotions still stay with their old home stadium. It may not only affect the number of attendees on game day but also become a financial burden for the school. As one fan pointed out, “SOFI might be closer but is not as accessible to get to and when you do get there you w be tailgating on asphalt.” Then another fan doubled down on that same sentiment, stating, “Moving to SoFi will not fix their attendance issue. Pauley Pavillion is rarely sold out. People don’t care about UCLA sports like they used to.” While most fans are focusing on distance and revenue as Rose Bowl problems, one comes with a different perspective. “The only problem with the Rose Bowl is that the team playing there doesn’t win games, and UCLA consistently raises prices…,” wrote a fan. Although the idea of “winning games” isn’t entirely right, considering their five home wins in 2024. But this season’s struggles, with a 3–6 record, make that point even more clear. Still, not all fans view the decision to move home games from the same lens. Probably that’s why a fan brought up the positive side of this decision. “It’s much easier to go from the west side to Inglewood than Pasadena. And you could conceivably take public transportation too. As far as seating, SoFi has fewer seats so it would mitigate the empty stadium feel.” Although for this season this decision doesn’t take place, so fans can focus on the rollercoaster season of the Bruins.
