Rose Bowl Sues UCLA Over Football Move

**Rose Bowl Sues UCLA to Block Proposed Football Move to SoFi Stadium, Citing Breach of Contract and Millions in Lost Revenue**

PASADENA, CA – The Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC), which manages the historic Pasadena venue, has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court in April 2024, seeking to prevent UCLA from relocating its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The legal action aims to enforce a long-standing contract that binds the Bruins to the Rose Bowl through the 2043 season, with the proposed move potentially beginning as early as the 2025 season.

The lawsuit names the University of California, Los Angeles, and its Board of Regents, arguing that UCLA’s planned departure constitutes a clear breach of their enduring agreement. For the non-profit RBOC, the financial implications are severe, with an estimated loss of roughly $5 million in annual revenue if UCLA departs. This funding is critical for the maintenance and operations of the nearly 102-year-old stadium, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted the Bruins since 1982.

According to court filings, the RBOC contends that UCLA has not engaged in proper discussions or negotiations regarding this significant shift, despite their decades-long partnership. “This proposed move is not merely a change of venue; it’s a significant financial blow that jeopardizes our ability to maintain a historical landmark and impacts the numerous community programs supported by our operations,” a source close to the RBOC stated, emphasizing the stadium’s role beyond just football games.

The legal battle unfolds as UCLA prepares for a major conference realignment, set to leave the Pac-12 Conference and join the Big Ten in 2024. While UCLA has largely refrained from commenting directly on the lawsuit, the desire to move is widely understood to be driven by the appeal of modern amenities and luxury suites offered at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium. Opened in 2020, SoFi is an NFL-ready venue that serves as home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, offering a contemporary fan experience and potentially better attendance for some games compared to the Rose Bowl’s aging infrastructure.

The Rose Bowl, affectionately known as the “Granddaddy of Them All,” has a rich history, hosting multiple Super Bowls, FIFA World Cup matches, Olympic events, and its iconic New Year’s Day college football game. Its capacity of over 90,000, while historic, presents challenges in attracting consistent large crowds for regular-season college football games in a competitive Southern California market.

UCLA’s move to the Big Ten is expected to significantly boost the university’s athletic revenues, creating an environment where optimizing every aspect of their athletic programs, including home game venues, becomes paramount. However, the RBOC’s lawsuit highlights the legal and financial complexities that can arise when long-term contracts clash with evolving athletic and business strategies.

The Rose Bowl Operating Company is seeking injunctive relief to prevent UCLA from terminating the contract and relocating, along with potential damages for breach of contract. The outcome of this high-stakes legal dispute will not only determine UCLA’s home field for the coming decades but also set a precedent for contractual obligations in an era of rapid change in collegiate athletics.