Rose Bowl Operating Company Proposes Changes To Its Operating Agreement with City

[Updated]  The Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC), responsible for managing operations at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, has submitted a set of changes that it’s proposing to its operating agreement with the City of Pasadena, as it marks the 30th anniversary of their original contract. 

The proposed changes will be presented to the City Council’s Economic Development and Technology (EDTech) Committee on Tuesday, March 19. 

In a memorandum to the Mayor and the City Council, the RBOC said the proposed “light touch” changes aim to enhance the longstanding partnership between the RBOC and the City of Pasadena. 

The letter outlined several key areas of focus, including the RBOC’s structure, authority, and jurisdiction, as well as opportunities for efficiency of operations and enhanced relationship with the City.

The RBOC said it has formed an ad hoc committee composed of members of the RBOC Board of Directors to review and introduce revisions to the existing Operating Agreement, which expires on June 30, 2025. 

“Among the goals of the Committee were to identify potential modifications to the agreement that would strengthen the ability of the Rose Bowl campus to serve as a successful world class sports and entertainment venue and an important economic driver for the City of Pasadena over the long term,” the memorandum said.

Other possible changes mentioned include the creation of a Conservancy District, third-party management options, and a possible merger with the Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC), which manages the Pasadena Convention Center, that could lead to the establishment of a new Pasadena Tourism/Sports/Entertainment Authority, the memorandum showed. 

The proposal also touches upon the financial aspects of the agreement, with provisions for capital funding to ensure the long-term viability of the Rose Bowl Stadium. The RBOC aims to present its annual and long-term identified capital needs list to the City on an annual basis, ensuring transparency and collaboration in preserving the historic stadium.

Another aspect of the proposed changes concerns streamlining processes related to insurance, financial reporting, and disposal of surplus personal property. The RBOC indicated it’s exploring options to auction or raffle off personal property with sentimental or memorabilia value at special events, subject to approval based on a “valid public purpose” to return economic value to the RBOC.

Example? The possible auctioning off of old, disused stadium seats to collectors,

The RBOC described the proposed overall package of changes as having a “light touch” that would not significantly change the structure of the parties’ relationships. 

The RBOC, formed in 1994 as a non-profit public benefit corporation, has played an important role in managing the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Courses. Both venues showcase Pasadena as a college football venue and a host for high-profile events and performances.

The Economic Development and Technology Committee will review the proposed changes and make recommendations to the City Council. 

The EDTech Committee begins at 5 p.m. at the City Council Chamber at City Hall.