UCLA’s Spring Game at the Rose Bowl

After hearing tales and watching others enjoy the venue, the UCLA coaching staff and their new players will finally experience the Rose Bowl themselves this Saturday.

The Bruins are set to host their annual spring game in their home stadium, kicking off at noon. Admission is free, so fans can request a ticket.

Offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts,” he said after the conclusion of spring training. “You hear it’s an experience you can actually feel. I can’t wait to witness that firsthand.”

Kennedy also mentioned he’s undecided about whether to be in the press box or on the field, wanting to get a sense of the new stadium setup before making a choice. With the stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains, staying in the press box might be tempting. But, you know, the atmosphere in the bowl itself can be quite captivating too.

UCLA anticipates a large turnout for the spring game. By Thursday afternoon, approximately 19,000 ticket requests had been submitted, significantly more than the small crowd from the previous year.

As the Bruins gear up for a game that’s expected to last about an hour—with a 20-minute halftime—here are a few observations from their final spring practice.

A Familiar Sight

Wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr. made a noteworthy play during practice, catching a 40-yard pass along the sideline from quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Rowe, a speedy transfer from South Carolina, has been impressing everyone this spring.

“He keeps making exciting plays,” Coach Bob Chesney remarked earlier in the week. “His speed and timing are really remarkable.”

New Look

Interestingly, during Thursday’s practice, the defensive players cheered when the offense made big plays. This was because the team had divided into groups ahead of the upcoming scrimmage, where they are expected to face off in a Blue vs. White game.

A Lack of Details

Chesney had some players meet with referees at midfield, running through a simulated coin toss for overtime. The offense kicked off the overtime session energetically, with running back Troy Riegbar scoring a touchdown on a 25-yard run after a handoff from Iamaleava. Chesney praised Riegbar’s dedication, noting he often spotted the young player practicing alone.

Improved Comfort

Iamaleava seems to be grasping the new offensive strategy, not focusing solely on his top choices. “He’s getting better at recognizing different play options,” Kennedy shared. “It’s clear he understands the importance of balancing work and strategy.” Having a potentially stronger offensive line, along with a well-rounded group of receivers and running backs, likely helps Iamaleava feel more comfortable as well.

Competitive Spirit

In a moment of tension during practice, running back Anthony Woods and defensive back Kron Jabari Jr. had a brief scuffle that teammates had to break up. Kennedy noted that while competition is crucial, it’s important to manage aggression. “We want to compete fiercely, but not to the point of incurring penalties,” he stated.