The Rose Bowl is one of the most prestigious and iconic sporting events in the United States. As one of the oldest bowl games in college football, the Rose Bowl draws huge crowds every year. Getting tickets to the Rose Bowl can be competitive, but it’s not impossible if you plan ahead and know where to look.
When and Where is the Rose Bowl Played?
The Rose Bowl is played annually on January 1 or January 2, unless January 1 falls on a Sunday. In that case, it is moved to Monday, January 2. The game is played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
The Rose Bowl Stadium opened in 1922 and has a long history of hosting the Rose Bowl game. It seats approximately 90,888 fans, making it one of the largest stadiums in the United States. The stadium underwent renovations in the 1990s to expand seating capacity and upgrade amenities.
Who Plays in the Rose Bowl?
The Rose Bowl historically featured a matchup between the Pac-12 and Big Ten conference champions. However, since the implementation of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014, the Rose Bowl has been one of two CFP semi-final games played on New Year’s Day.
When the Rose Bowl is not hosting a CFP semi-final, it will typically feature a matchup between Pac-12 and Big Ten teams. Often this is the conference champion from each league, but another highly ranked team may be selected if the champion makes the CFP.
| Year | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ohio State | 45 | Utah | 28 |
| 2021 | Alabama | 31 | Notre Dame | 14 |
| 2020 | Alabama | 52 | Ohio State | 24 |
| 2019 | Ohio State | 28 | Washington | 23 |
| 2018 | Georgia | 54 | Oklahoma | 48 |
As you can see, recent Rose Bowl matchups have featured some of college football’s top programs, since the game often serves as a CFP semi-final or New Year’s Six bowl.
When Do Rose Bowl Tickets Go on Sale?
Rose Bowl tickets go on sale to the general public in early to mid December, after the college football conference championship games have been played. This allows time to determine which two teams will be playing in the game.
Season ticket holders and donors to the Rose Bowl Stadium can often get early access to purchase tickets before the general on-sale date. There are also some ticket presales that happen through sponsors like VISA or ticket resellers.
It’s a good idea to sign up for the Rose Bowl email newsletter or follow their social media accounts to get notified as soon as tickets go on sale. This ensures you have the best opportunity to get tickets as early as possible.
Where Can I Buy Rose Bowl Tickets?
There are a few different options for purchasing authentic Rose Bowl tickets:
- Rosebowl.com – The official Rose Bowl website is the best place to buy tickets directly. Tickets purchased on the Rose Bowl site are guaranteed authentic.
- Ticketmaster – As the official ticket provider for the Rose Bowl, Ticketmaster also sells official tickets. You can buy online or by phone.
- StubHub – This large secondary ticket marketplace will have plenty of Rose Bowl ticket listings from resellers. Confirm the tickets are authentic before purchasing.
- VividSeats – Another big secondary ticket site with Rose Bowl ticket resales. Make sure to verify the tickets before buying.
- Craigslist – You may find Rose Bowl tickets posted for sale locally on Craigslist. Use caution and only buy from reputable sellers.
Buying from one of the major official ticket sources like the Rose Bowl site or Ticketmaster ensures you will receive valid tickets. Be very careful when considering tickets sold through secondary sites, individual resellers, or classified ads to confirm legitimacy and avoid counterfeits.
How Much Do Rose Bowl Tickets Cost?
Rose Bowl ticket prices can vary dramatically depending on the teams playing, seat location, and when you purchase. In general, expect to spend at minimum:
- Lower End Seats: $150 – $300
- Mid-Range Seats: $250 – $500
- Premium Seats: $400+
Ticket prices tend to be highest when national championship contenders or popular teams like USC, Ohio State, Alabama, or Michigan are playing in the game. The closer you buy to game day, the more limited ticket supply becomes, which also drives up prices.
Ways to Save on Rose Bowl Tickets
Here are a few tips to help you save money on Rose Bowl tickets:
- Buy early – Tickets are cheaper the earlier you purchase after the on-sale date.
- Consider upper deck or end zone seats – You’ll pay less for seats higher up or at the end zones versus lower or midfield spots.
- Buy in pairs – Singles often cost more than pairs per ticket since groups are in demand.
- Avoid “convenience” fees – Select print-at-home ticket delivery options to avoid high fees.
- Join fan clubs – Schools may offer special ticket pre-sales or discounts for fan club members.
With some strategic planning, you can secure affordable Rose Bowl tickets while still getting a great experience at one of college football’s top events.
Are Rose Bowl Tickets Transferable?
Rose Bowl tickets are fully transferable, meaning you can sell or give them away to someone else if you can’t attend the game. Print-at-home tickets make transfer easy since you can forward the PDF file to the recipient.
If you purchased paper tickets that were shipped to you, simply hand them off or overnight them to the person you are giving or selling them to. Be sure to only sell or transfer via secure payment and shipping methods to avoid issues.
The Rose Bowl terms and conditions do prohibit reselling tickets at above face value or through unauthorized channels. Use caution when reselling tickets privately to avoid fraud.
Can I Get Refunds on Rose Bowl Tickets?
Because the Rose Bowl is considered a special event, all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. The only exception is if the game is completely postponed or canceled with no makeup date. Then you can get a full refund on the original purchase price, excluding fees.
If you can no longer attend the Rose Bowl, you will need to resell or transfer your tickets rather than get a refund. Be sure to list them for sale as soon as possible to maximize your chances of selling them.
Are There Any Ticket Packages or VIP Experiences?
Beyond just game tickets, there are some additional ticket package options that provide a more complete Rose Bowl experience:
- Hospitality packages – Get a pre-game buffet, premium seats, VIP parking, and more through official hospitality packages.
- Fan travel packages – Let someone else handle the travel arrangements and book airfare, hotel, and tickets in one bundle.
- Suite rentals – Corporations or large groups can inquire about renting a luxury suite at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
- Guided stadium tours – Take a guided walk through the Rose Bowl Stadium and museum on non-game days.
- VIP experiences – Some tour companies offer special on-field access or meet & greet opportunities with players.
These special Rose Bowl ticket packages typically come at a premium cost but deliver more amenities and exclusivity. They make great options for corporate events, special celebrations, or die-hard fans.
Key Tips for Getting Rose Bowl Tickets
Here are some top tips to remember when seeking Rose Bowl tickets:
- Sign up for pre-sale opportunities – This gets you first access before the general public on-sale.
- Be ready right at the on-sale time – Have accounts created and payment ready so you can buy immediately.
- Buy early – Prices go up closer to the game so purchase as soon as possible.
- Shop multiple sources – Compare prices across different sites to get the best deal.
- Avoid resale sites – Stick to official sources like Rosebowl.com or Ticketmaster for validity.
- Read policies carefully – Understand all terms, fees, and transfer rules before purchasing.
While Rose Bowl tickets are in high demand, taking the right approach will maximize your chances of success. With preparation and diligence, you can secure seats to one of college football’s greatest traditions.
Conclusion
Attending the time-honored Rose Bowl game is a dream for many college football fans. While tickets can sell out quickly, they are attainable if you know where to look and plan ahead. Considering the game’s importance, iconic venue, and exciting atmospheres, Rose Bowl tickets are well worth the effort for serious fans.
By buying early, comparing prices, and utilizing pre-sales, you can secure seats at a reasonable price. Use caution when purchasing through any secondary sources and always verify legitimacy first. With smart planning, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the Rose Bowl traditions in beautiful Pasadena next January.
