Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena to Open California High School Football Hall of Fame This Weekend

The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation will host a private ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 26, to dedicate the California High School Football Hall of Fame at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The project, which honors the state’s most outstanding high school football players and coaches, was established with leadership pledges from philanthropists and business leaders Brian Panish and Mickey Segal, a Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation statement said. Philanthropist Brian Kennedy also provided a key commitment to the project.

The new High School Football Hall of Fame will feature interactive displays, memorabilia, photos and videos of the inductees, who include NFL legends such as Warren Moon, Ronnie Lott, Gene Washington and Rashan Salaam. 

The statement said several inductees and special guests are expected to attend the ceremony, such as Jim Porter, Pro Football Hall of Fame CEO; Ron Nocetti, Executive Director of the CIF; and Matthew Sign, COO of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. 

Dr. Jen Welter, the first female coach in NFL history, is also expected to attend. 

The inaugural class includes four distinguished award winners: 

• Pete Rozelle, former NFL Commissioner, is getting the Golden State Award which recognizes an outstanding Californian who has made a significant contribution to football in the country. 
• Pete Saco, former CIF Commissioner of the San Joaquin Section, will receive the Terry Donahue Leadership Award. Named after the esteemed UCLA coach, the award recognizes exemplary leadership in advancing football through youth and communities. 
• Dean Crowley, former Commissioner of the CIF Southern Section, is getting the Champion of Success Award, acknowledging commitment to the advancement of youth and community sports. 
• Eric Sondheimer, Prep Sports Editor at the LA Times, will receive the Impact in Sports Journalism Award, which recognizes the role of journalism in promoting football.

The new Hall of Fame will be open to the public starting Sept. 1 as part of the stadium’s tour program and on UCLA game days this fall.

Dedan Brozino, Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation president, said the project was a tribute to the rich history and tradition of high school football in California.

“After much anticipation, planning and thoughtfulness by a team of people, we are excited to open another great space at America’s Stadium for the enjoyment of our visitors,” Brozino said.