UCLA Announces Football Schedule, Will Host USC Dec. 12 in the Rose Bowl

The UCLA Football team has announced its schedule for the 2020-2021 shortened season, which includes a Dec. 12 matchup against crosstown rival USC at the Rose Bowl. 

UCLA opens its season at Colorado on Nov. 7, then faces Utah on Nov. 13 in the Rose Bowl before traveling to Oregon on Nov. 20.

Arizona closes out the month when the team comes to the Rose Bowl. The Bruins travel on Dec. 5 to Arizona State before the USC game. 

The 2020 Pac-12 Football Championship Game will be played Friday, Dec. 18. The remaining teams will square off against each other Dec. 19.

No fans will be permitted at any games taking place on Pac-12 campuses or in the Rose Bowl.

The Pac-12 will play a seven-game conference football season beginning Nov. 6, the Pac-12 CEO Group said Thursday. The move clears the way for UCLA to play in the Rose Bowl, which could alleviate some of the stadium’s cash shortfall incurred since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Pac-12 Conference, which had earlier suspended all athletic competitions due to the pandemic, reversed course and decided to allow the sports seasons to begin.

Collegiate athletics must follow state and NCAA protocols, including frequent testing, players and coaches wearing masks on the sidelines, informing opponents when a player tests positive within 48 hours of competition, and holding small groups during workouts.

According to a report contained in the City Council’s Finance Committee agenda, the Rose Bowl Operating Co.’s debt service will be the city’s largest risk going forward.

That debt is expected to reach more than $12 million by fiscal year 2022, assuming events resume. But even then, operating revenues are not likely to cover the full debt service for FY 2022, and potentially beyond. However, any money made from college football would help the city breathe a sigh of relief.

The Rose Bowl Game is scheduled to be the semifinal game in this season, which means it may not be the traditional Pac 12 and Big 10 matchup.

There have been some questions regarding a second Rose Bowl matchup this spring. Tournament of Roses Association CEO David Eads has cautioned that it’s too early to speculate about a second game.

The Rose Bowl hosted Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship games in 2010 and 2014.

“We have been a dual host in the past, during the BCS model, so it’s something we have done and something we have experience in,” Eads said earlier this month.