Rose Bowl Stadium visitor guide: everything you need to know

Stadiums don’t get much more well-known than Rose Bowl Stadium. Officially a National Historic Landmark, this outdoor venue is probably best known for hosting the annual Tournament of Roses, which is a post-season college football game on New Year’s Day. But the stadium doesn’t sit empty the rest of the year. Rose Bowl Stadium has also hosted five Superbowls and is the home of UCLA’s Bruins.

Built in 1922, the stadium oozes history from previous Rose Bowls, World Cups, and National College Football Championships. Located in Pasadena, it’s also open to the public for tours if you want to soak up all that history. On game days, the stadium can hold nearly 90,000 fans and, as a result, does enforce a few rules you should know about.

We’ll outline the Rose Bowl Stadium bag policy, food policy, and camera policy for you here. You should also think about Rose Bowl Stadium luggage storage with Bounce before you head to an event.

Rose Bowl Stadium bag policy

The Rose Bowl Stadium bag policy is a clear bag one. That means that only clear plastic or vinyl bags that measure 12” x 12” x 6” or less will be permitted inside. Guests can also bring in one clear one-gallon sealable freezer bag. Aside from this clear bag policy, there is an allowance for a single clutch bag or wallet that can’t be larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, including all straps. Measure carefully!

The exceptions to this policy are for bags to carry medically necessary items and diaper bags (as long as the child accompanies you). These items will require additional screening and should be taken for inspection to the Public Safety Building, which is between gates A and B.

No lockers are available inside the stadium to store any non-approved bags, but they do offer checked item tents where you can store one item for $10. That’s why it’s crucial to drop everything off at a Bounce location in Pasadena or even Los Angeles, depending on where you’re traveling from. You’ll save money, and our locations are secure. Plus, you can leave your bags for as long as you want.

Rose Bowl Stadium food policy

In the case of the Rose Bowl Stadium food policy, there is some variance in what’s allowed. Outside food and drinks are prohibited for any event other than UCLA football games. If you’re heading here to see the Bruins, you can pack food in the compliant one-gallon plastic freezer bag. 

Regarding drinks, each guest is allowed to bring in two one-liter or smaller plastic bottles. These can either be new and factory-sealed or empty reusable ones.

For anyone attending a non-UCLA game, a concert, or another event,  you’ll need to buy your refreshments from the stadium’s concessions. The Rose Bowl Stadium food options are everything you’d expect at a typical sporting event, and you can nosh on everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs and nachos to tacos, garlic fries, and pizza. There is also the Gate A Court of Champions Markets, which houses local favorites like La Calaca Fish Tacos, Fresh Market Melissa’s, and Spireworks Modern Mediterranean.

Rose Bowl Stadium transportation

Here are the best options if you’re wondering how to get to Rose Bowl Stadium:

Driving

The stadium is close to a few major roads, namely I-210, 134, and 710. Parking passes can be purchased ahead of time online through a service called Park Jockey. There are lots that range in price from $30 to $100 and usually involve a five to seven-minute walk to the venue.

Public transportation

To avoid parking and potential traffic, you might want to consider Rose Bowl Stadium public transportation. Your best bet is the Metro Gold Line, and you should get off at Pasadena’s Memorial Park Station. Then, follow the signs to the shuttle waiting area, and these shuttles will get you right to the stadium.

Rideshare

Using Uber or Lyft is another option to get to a Rose Bowl Stadium event. The drop-off location is exclusively on Holly Street, between Raymond Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue. Then, you’ll need to walk to the stadium or hop on the shuttle (if there is one for your event).

Rose Bowl Stadium camera policy

Video cameras and cameras with interchangeable or telephoto lenses or a built-in lens that exceeds 3.5” are prohibited according to the Rose Bowl Stadium camera policy unless you receive prior approval. The same goes for monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks. 

Using your cell phone or a small point-and-shoot camera is permitted.

Rose Bowl Stadium rules

Tailgating

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition and is allowed at Rose Bowl Stadium. Different parking lots open at different times, but all close 90 minutes after the game. Do your tailgating behind your vehicle only, don’t obstruct the flow of traffic, and be mindful of others, and you won’t be asked to leave.

Strollers

Strollers are welcome here, subject to a few conditions. The Rose Bowl Stadium policies about this dictate that strollers must be stored with Guest Services (Tunnel 27) or in the Checked Items Tent (Gate C). They can’t be stored in the aisles or under your seat.

Payments

The stadium is nearly 100% cashless, so be prepared to use your credit or debit card or one of the reverse ATMs onsite.

Entry

Be aware that once you enter the stadium and then leave, you won’t be allowed back in again. Rose Bowl Stadium enforces a strict no-re-entry policy.

Other prohibited items

• Noisemakers, including whistles, airhorns, and boom boxes.
• Coolers and umbrellas.
• Signs and banners of any kind and poles or sticks.

Conclusion

Getting tickets to the annual Rose Bowl game or even a UCLA Bruins home game is a stroke of luck. You’ll get to watch an exciting game and be surrounded by history. Just make sure you stay in line with the stadium’s policies and store anything you don’t need with Bounce before you arrive.