UCLA Football Fans Can Visit the Rose Bowl Ahead of Season

UCLA football enthusiasts can look forward to reconnecting with a beloved venue before the season kicks off. The Bruins have announced that their spring game is set for noon on May 2 at the Rose Bowl.

This marks a return to the iconic stadium, especially since there were talks about moving to SoFi Stadium for the upcoming season. However, UCLA hasn’t confirmed any plans to stay at the Rose Bowl beyond next season. In fact, they are currently facing a lawsuit from the Rose Bowl and the city of Pasadena over expected contractual issues.

Good news for fans: admission to the spring game is free. Interested attendees can request tickets, and the format for the event will be finalized as the date approaches.

Interestingly, UCLA hasn’t hosted a traditional spring game in recent years, having opted instead for individual practices focusing on specific skills.

Regardless of how the event unfolds, there’s already a buzz among fans. New head coach Bob Chesney is generating excitement with his rebuilding strategies after a challenging stretch for the Bruins, who finished with a 5-10 record under former coach Deshaun Foster.

Chesney, coming off a successful season with James Madison, guided his team to the College Football Playoff—a milestone UCLA hasn’t achieved. His recognition as the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year is well deserved, alongside other prestigious nominations.

UCLA begins its spring practices on April 2nd, under Chesney’s guidance.

For the upcoming spring game, gates at Rose Bowl Gate A will open at 10 a.m., with parking lots H, K, and I accessible starting at 9 a.m. Parking will be free, but fans should note the enforcement of a clear bag policy.

As for the regular season, the Bruins are set to start their home games against San Diego State on September 12, just a week after facing off against their former Pac-12 rival, California, in Berkeley.