One of college football’s biggest games of the year happens right in Pasadena. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
On Jan. 1, 2024, Big Ten Conference Champions, the Michigan Wolverines, will take on the Southeastern Conference Champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It all kicks off at 1 p.m. However, attendees will want to get there early for pre-game fun. The stadium parking lot opens at 4 a.m., the Rose Bowl Game FanFest begins at 9 a.m. and stadium gates open at 11:30 a.m.
Parking at the stadium is $55 in advance and $65 on game day, which can be purchased via credit or debit card or Apply Pay. There are no reserved spots, so where you land in the lot is on a first-come, first-served basis and cars may be stacked in rows of five. Alternatively, you can park off-site but nearby, such as at the Parsons Building lot, and hop on the free shuttle that will run continuously from 10 a.m. and until two hours after the end of the game. If you decide to rideshare, you’ll have to jump on the shuttle or walk because taxis, Ubers, etc. are not allowed at the stadium. Be sure to set your destination for Holly Street between Fair Oaks Avenue and Raymond Avenue. Finally, you can also take the Metro Light Rail Blue Line to Pasadena and exit at Memorial Park Station. From there, walk two blocks to the shuttle pick-up at the Parsons lot.
Though you can check a large bag for $10 at check-in tents at Gates A and N, you’ll probably want to opt for a clear bag. Keep it light and put your belongings in a one-gallon freezer bag, a clear tote or backpack that’s 12”x 6” x 12” or smaller or a small clutch not bigger than 4.5” x 6.5”. Also of note, coolers, banners, beverage containers larger than 32 ounces and noisemakers are prohibited. However, each person can bring two total factory-sealed plastic bottles or empty reusable bottles.
We can’t predict what will go down during the game—though we’re sure many hardcore fans have a few predictions up their sleeves— but we do know it’s a big deal. Just consider what Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian said about it: “We are excited to host a College Football Playoff Semifinal, which will also be the first-ever matchup of Michigan and Alabama in a Rose Bowl Game,” he reflected. “We are thrilled to welcome two storied football programs to Pasadena for The Granddaddy of Them All.”
Even in a stadium as big as the Rose Bowl, tickets are hard to come by for a game like this, not to mention Wolverine and Crimson Tide fans are all spread out across the country. For those who can’t attend in person, the game will be televised on ESPN, and pre-game festivities begin at 1 p.m. PT.
Happy Game Day to Pasadena!
The Rose Bowl is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Dr 91103.
See also: The Ultimate Guide To Pasadena
Photography by: Getty Images
