Rose Bowl Can Continue Breach of Contract Case Against UCLA
A ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge has cleared the way for the Rose Bowl to pursue its lawsuit against UCLA over an alleged breach of contract. The judge, Joseph Lipner, dismissed UCLA’s motion to have the case thrown out.
On Thursday, Judge Lipner pointed out that the motion from UCLA, which was filed in March, came 125 days after they were served the complaint regarding the ongoing lawsuit that has lasted eight months. He stated that the court should not entertain such a motion, calling it both “untimely” and lacking “sufficient justification” for the delay.
The anti-SLAPP motion—an acronym for Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation—is intended to shield individuals and groups from frivolous lawsuits that aim to silence free speech and the right to petition the government.
Along with rejecting UCLA’s motion, Lipner also allowed the Rose Bowl’s lawsuit against executives at SoFi Stadium to proceed. This part of the case alleges that the executives induced UCLA to breach its contract through tortious interference.
Nima Mohebi, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, which represents the Rose Bowl and Pasadena, expressed appreciation for the judge’s thorough examination of the issues: “We look forward to moving the lawsuit ahead.”
A spokesperson from UCLA’s Vice Chancellor’s Office has yet to provide a response to requests for comments on the case.
This ruling permits the Rose Bowl to begin issuing discovery requests, and UCLA may be ready to commit to a longer stay at the Pasadena venue. Reports suggest that discussions are underway to reach an agreement that would keep UCLA’s football team, the Bruins, at the Rose Bowl until the end of their contract in 2043.
Under its lease with the Rose Bowl, UCLA does not pay rent but is subject to terms that some view as unfavorable, particularly concerning suite revenues and other income opportunities. However, the stadium will allow the university to retain revenue from premium seating related to a new field-level club that is set to open this season.
