New Year’s Day 2027 is going to be special. One of the oldest and most beloved traditions in American sports returns to Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2027. College football fans from across the country will gather in the warm Southern California sunshine for a game that carries serious national championship implications. Whether you are a die-hard fan planning the trip of a lifetime or simply curious about what makes this event so iconic, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The Game at a Glance
The 113th annual Rose Bowl Game will kick off on Friday, January 1, 2027, at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The game is scheduled to be played at the Rose Bowl Stadium, and the starting time will be either 9:00 am, 1:00 pm, or 5:00 pm PST, with 1:00 pm being the most likely slot.
This year’s game carries extra weight. The 2027 edition will serve as one of the College Football Playoff quarterfinal games, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. That means two elite programs will face off in Pasadena knowing that a national championship run is on the line. The stakes have never been higher at this historic venue.
The game is officially known as the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential, with the financial services giant serving as the title sponsor for the event.
A Brief History of the Granddaddy of Them All
Few sporting events in America carry the same weight of tradition as this one. The game was first played on January 1, 1902, making it the oldest college bowl game in America. That very first game saw Michigan defeat Stanford 49 to 0, and the second football contest at the Rose Bowl was not played until 1916.
The nickname “The Granddaddy of Them All” was not invented by a marketing team. It was earned over more than a century of extraordinary matchups. The game helped define the college football postseason long before playoffs existed. Therefore, when fans say this event matters, they are drawing on more than 120 years of history to back that claim up.
Additionally, the stadium itself holds National Historic Landmark status. It has hosted Olympic events, Super Bowls, and FIFA World Cup matches alongside its annual New Year’s Day tradition. No other stadium in college football carries a comparable legacy.
The Teams: Who Will Play in 2027?
As of now, the specific matchup for the 2027 game has not been determined. Teams qualify through the College Football Playoff bracket, which is decided at the end of the regular season and conference championships in December 2026.
However, the structure of the game gives us a clear picture of what to expect. The Rose Bowl will feature two College Football Playoff teams. One of the four highest-ranked teams will receive a bye to the quarterfinals, and they will face a winner of a CFP first-round game. During the CFP Quarterfinal, the higher-seeded team ranked one through four will be on the West sideline, with their fans seated in the West and North sections of the stadium. The lower-seeded team, ranked five through twelve, will be on the East sideline, with fans seated in the East and South sections.
This seating arrangement is worth knowing before you buy tickets, especially if you want to sit close to your team’s supporters section.
Full Day Schedule: January 1, 2027
The Rose Bowl Game is not a standalone event. It is part of a full New Year’s Day celebration that begins before dawn. Here is how the day typically unfolds:
- 4:30 AM: Grab-and-go breakfast service begins at partner hotels for travel package guests
- 5:00 AM: Departures begin for the Rose Parade viewing positions
- 8:00 AM: The 138th Rose Parade begins along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena
- 10:00 AM: The Rose Parade concludes
- 11:00 AM: Pre-game hospitality opens at the Rose Bowl Stadium
- 12:00 PM: Stadium gates open to all ticket holders
- 1:00 PM: Kickoff for the 2027 Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Parade is held each New Year’s Day thanks to a tradition stretching back to 1890. Floats featured in the event are decorated entirely in natural materials such as flowers, and the parade also includes the nation’s most prestigious marching bands, horses, and other groups on foot.
Planning your day around both events will give you one of the most memorable New Year’s Day experiences American sports can offer.
Tickets: How to Buy and What to Expect
Tickets for the 2027 game are now on sale. And tickets are available online via Ticketmaster, giving fans the first opportunity to secure individual tickets for the game. A maximum of four tickets per person will be available during the public sale, and individual ticket prices start at $202.90 including fees.
That is the floor price for the most basic seats. Premium and mid-level sections will cost more, and resale prices on secondary market platforms often climb significantly as the game approaches and the matchup becomes known.
In addition to the Ticketmaster sale, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses has renewed its partnership with On Location as the Official Hospitality and Corporate Travel Package Provider. On Location offers packages that include official game tickets with options to add reserved Rose Parade tickets, pre-game hospitality at the Official Rose Bowl Hospitality Village, and meet-and-greets with NCAA Legends.
For fans who want the full experience without the logistics headache, travel packages are worth serious consideration. Rose Bowl travel packages include game tickets, hotel lodging close to Pasadena, transportation to the Rose Bowl game and Tournament of Roses Parade, plus pre-game VIP hospitality. Tournament of Roses Parade tickets are also included in most tour packages.
Additionally, if you are shopping the secondary market, platforms like Vivid Seats, StubHub, and SeatGeek all list tickets. Prices vary widely by section, row, and how close to game day you purchase. Buying early generally saves money, especially once the matchup is announced and demand surges.
The Stadium: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena
With a seating capacity of 92,542, the Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the United States. Seating options range from general admission to premium VIP suites.
The stadium sits in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood of Pasadena, surrounded by hills, golf course land, and quiet residential streets. The setting is genuinely beautiful. On a clear January afternoon, you can see the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the open end of the bowl. There is no roof or dome. The entire experience is open air, which makes weather awareness important, though Pasadena in January is typically mild and pleasant.
For the best football viewing experience, aim for seating between rows 20 and 40. Sections 1 through 8 and 15 through 22 have seat backs, while the rest of the sections are benches. Seats in these sections provide more space in terms of legroom and seat width. If comfort matters to you, prioritize these sections when selecting your seats.
There are 77 numbered rows in the Rose Bowl Stadium. The lettered rows begin below Row 1, starting with Row A and descending down. The tunnels enter the stadium at Row 28. Rows close to the field can be visually exciting but make it harder to track plays developing downfield. Mid-level rows offer the best balance of atmosphere and sightlines.
Parking: Plan Ahead or Pay the Price
Parking at Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the most discussed aspects of attending the event. General parking is $59 in advance and $70 on the day of the event. Preferred paved lots cost between $80 and $100 or more. Tailgating is a Rose Bowl institution, propane grills and alcohol are permitted, lots open at 4 AM, and the scene on New Year’s Day is something every sports fan should experience at least once.
However, the post-game exit is notoriously slow. The stadium sits in a bowl surrounded by limited road access, and tens of thousands of fans are all trying to leave at the same time. Plan for at least 60 to 90 minutes of post-game traffic. Arriving early is not optional. It is essential.
General parking is available on-site in Lot H and Lots 1 through 4, 6, and 8 through 10. Prepaid parking is offered at a discount when purchased in advance. In-and-out privileges are not permitted. Once you park and enter, you are staying until the game is over.
Accessible parking is located in Lots F, B, and D, and requires a valid handicap placard.
Getting There: Travel and Transportation Options
The stadium is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103. Multiple travel options are available depending on where you are staying and how much effort you want to put into the logistics.
For drivers, the main routes are straightforward. From Los Angeles and Downtown, take the 110 North to the 210 East. From the San Fernando Valley, take the 134 East to the 210 East. And from the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire, take the 210 West.
For those flying in, you have two solid airport options. Hollywood Burbank Airport is 14 miles west and 18 to 25 minutes by car, making it the most convenient option for Pasadena. Los Angeles International Airport has the broadest national and international service and is roughly 45 minutes away without traffic. Budget significantly more time on game day.
Public transit is a real alternative
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates a light rail service to Pasadena via the Metro A Line. The Metro stations closest to the Rose Bowl area are Del Mar Station, Memorial Park Station, Lake Station, and Allen Station. Metrolink also offers early morning train service on select lines specifically for Rose Bowl events.
Uber and Lyft have a designated zone near Lot H, but rideshare vehicles generally cannot drive down to the stadium on event days. Expect a 15 to 20 minute walk from the drop-off area to your seats. A useful tip is to get dropped off in Old Town Pasadena near the shuttle pickup at Holly and Fair Oaks, then ride the free shuttle to the stadium. It is faster and cheaper than trying to get a rideshare into the Arroyo.
Additionally, on January 1, free shuttle buses are available with bus loading on Pasadena Avenue between Walnut Street and Holly Street. This free shuttle is one of the best-kept secrets for navigating the day smoothly.
Where to Stay: Pasadena and Beyond
Pasadena itself offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in Old Town to larger chain properties along the main corridors. Staying in Old Town Pasadena is ideal. It puts you within walking distance of great restaurants, bars, and parade viewing spots, and gives you easy access to shuttle service on game day.
For visitors who prefer to stay in Los Angeles and travel in, neighborhoods like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA are all reasonable options. However, expect longer travel times on New Year’s Day, when local roads are busier than usual.
Booking early is critical. The city fills up fast around New Year’s, and the added draw of a high-stakes CFP quarterfinal means demand will be particularly strong. Many fans book six months or more in advance.
Things to Do in Pasadena Before and After the Game
Pasadena has a lot to offer beyond the stadium. Old Town Pasadena is a lively dining and shopping district packed with restaurants and bars that will be buzzing on New Year’s Day. The week leading up to the game also features parade float viewing, where completed floats are put on public display before the parade.
The Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library are both world-class attractions worth visiting if you have extra time in the area. Additionally, a drive or hike into the nearby San Gabriel Mountains provides a stunning contrast to the urban energy of game week.
If you have never attended the Rose Parade in person, arriving a day early to secure a parade-viewing spot along Colorado Boulevard is strongly recommended. The floats, bands, and atmosphere are unlike anything else in American sports culture.
Conclusion
The 2027 Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2027, is shaping up to be a landmark event in college football history. As a CFP quarterfinal game, it will directly determine who advances toward the national championship. The action takes place at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, a National Historic Landmark with a capacity of over 92,000. Individual tickets start at $202.90 through Ticketmaster, with premium hospitality packages available through On Location. The day begins with the iconic Rose Parade at 8:00 AM and builds toward a 1:00 PM kickoff. Getting there requires planning, whether you drive, fly into Burbank or LAX, or use Metro and shuttle services. Staying in Pasadena’s Old Town puts you at the center of the action. From the history, the stadium, the parade, and the high-stakes playoff football, this is one New Year’s Day you will not forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2027 Rose Bowl Game kick off?
The game is scheduled for Friday, January 1, 2027, at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Kickoff is expected at 1:00 PM PST, though the official time may be confirmed as either 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 5:00 PM PST depending on the CFP broadcast schedule.
Who will play in the 2027 Rose Bowl Game?
The specific teams will be determined at the end of the 2026 college football regular season and conference championships in December 2026. The game will feature one of the four highest-ranked CFP teams facing a winner of the CFP first-round games.
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Individual tickets start at $202.90 including fees through Ticketmaster, with a maximum of four tickets per person during the public sale. Premium travel packages including hotel, parade tickets, and pre-game hospitality are available through On Location, the Official Hospitality Partner.
What is the best way to get to Rose Bowl Stadium?
Driving is the most flexible option, but parking sells out fast. The free game-day shuttle from Old Town Pasadena is highly recommended. The Metro A Line also provides light rail service to stations near the venue. Hollywood Burbank Airport is the closest major airport at roughly 14 miles away.
Is the Rose Bowl Game the same as the Rose Parade?
They are two separate events that both take place on January 1 as part of the Tournament of Roses. The Rose Parade runs along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena starting at 8:00 AM, and the Rose Bowl Game follows later in the day at the stadium. Many travel packages include tickets to both events.
