Rose Bowl To Receive $500,000 Federal Historic Preservation Grant

The Rose Bowl has been named the recipient of a $500,000 federal grant aimed at historic preservation, stadium officials announced Tuesday.

The grant comes under the Historic Preservation Fund’s Save America’s Treasures program, which is administered by the National Park Service, Rose Bowl representatives said in a written statement. It’s the first such grant bestowed upon the facility, which will mark its centennial next year.

Rose Bowl Stadium Chief Operations Officer George Cunningham said the money will be put to good use.

“As we approach our 100th birthday, the Rose Bowl Stadium continues to lead in providing a premier visitor experience in a safe, reliable, and memorable manner,” he said. “This grant award will strengthen key infrastructure needs and is a testament to the continued dedication of the venue’s overall importance to society.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo also applauded the development.

“The Rose Bowl Stadium is a community and cultural icon in Pasadena, and also a generational icon for millions around the world. We are thankful for the support of this grant to continue solidifying the infrastructure of the venue,” the mayor said.

The grant was secured via an application submitted by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, representatives said. It will require a matching gift from private contributions.

“The grant award will be used at the Stadium to support capital improvements at the venue, including the refurbishment and replacement of its gas line, as well as infrastructure upgrades relating to CAT6 wiring,” according to the statement.

The Rose Bowl has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1987.

This year’s Saving America’s Treasures campaign will distribute $15.5 million, in all, and also bring in an expected $20 million in additional private and public investment, the Rose Bowl stadium said.

Preservation is the primary goal, according to National Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge.

“From the Rose Bowl Stadium in California to Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey, the Save America’s Treasures program seeks to preserve and rehabilitate some of the most significant and iconic American structures and collections,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. 

Rose Bowl Stadium General Manager Darryl Dunn thanked many people within the organization and in the community who helped make the grant possible.

“The support that was provided by key stakeholders of the Rose Bowl Stadium was tremendous and we are very grateful for the support received during the application process from Pasadena Heritage, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Bill & Claire Bogaard and Congress members Judy Chu and Adam Schiff,” Dunn said. “The Rose Bowl Stadium is a tremendous community asset, and it is deeply appreciated that we received such great support.”

More information on the National Park Service’s Saving America’s Treasures program is available online at https://www.nps.gov/articles/save-america-s-treasures.htm.