Here Is What You Can Expect Around the Rose Bowl During Saturday’s UCLA-USC Rivalry Game

Sellout crowds, a loud flyover featuring jets and military helicopters, and fireworks await Pasadenans on Saturday when they head to the Rose Bowl for the UCLA-USC rivalry game (or just live nearby).

Pasadena City Councilmember Steve Madison told his District 6 constituents – many of whom live close to the Rose Bowl – that a large crowd is expected for the UCLA-USC game, with early arrivals for tailgating. He urged residents to note the time for street closures, and to use the residents’ hotline to report issues, if ever. The hotline is (626) 397-4141.

In fact, about 70,865 fans are expected to attend the game. This number includes 16,700 UCLA students, the biggest student section in the history of the school, according to a Rose Bowl Stadium social media post.

In preparation for the game, the Recreational Loop in the Arroyo Seco will be closed Saturday, from 12 midnight to 11:59 p.m. The Equestrian Trail will remain open at all times.

Parking lots at the Rose Bowl open at 11 a.m. At 12:45 p.m., the Fan Zone at Area H opens. 

The Rose Bowl Stadium gates open at 3:30 p.m., and just before kickoff, four Marine Corps F-35 jets and four helicopters will execute a flyover for the crowd.

As for lighting disturbance and noise levels, stadium lights will remain on for most of the evening into the early morning hours beginning Thursday, Nov. 17 up to Sunday, Nov. 20, for safety and security purposes. They will be turned off at the earliest possible time, according to the Rose Bowl. 

A city advisory said noise levels and sound will be actively monitored, but it is expected these events will bring the usual impacts on the nearby neighborhoods, along with the expected vehicle traffic which could be heavier than usual.

There will be use of pyrotechnics, and a 15-second air horn will be blown simultaneous with the pyrotechnics at 4 p.m. and at 4:30 p.m. Brief pyrotechnics will also be displayed when both teams run onto the field, during the National Anthem and anytime UCLA scores a touchdown. 

For USC’s part, the Trojans will be accompanied by a party bus where fans will trek all the way up to the Rose Bowl to prep for the game. All proceeds will go directly to covering the cost of the bus.

Event Hours:        
11:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open 
12:45 p.m. Fan Zone Opens in Area H
2:00 p.m. Parsons Shuttle Begins
3:30 p.m. Stadium Gates Open
5:00 p.m. Kickoff