Rose Bowl Stadium Review

[WanderingSpectator]

I think the stadium is a relic - and reminds me of Beaver Stadium.

Positives:
Great field conditions.
Awesome setting.
History and tradition.
Large Capacity.
Tailgating on grass and pavement.
LED lighting effects

Negatives:
Horrific traffic in and out.
Not enough bathrooms.
Long concessions line (bacon wrapped hot dogs with serrano peppers fried up on a cookie sheet seem to be their chicken basket).
$19 Beers.
Narrow, clogged portals into seating area
My knees were banging off the seat in front of me.
At the half, the coaches up in the box have to leave the stadium and take golf carts to get to the locker rooms.
The announcer was not very helpful (I’m in the minority, but I kind of like our guy Dean) The replays, if there were any, were on relatively small video boards.

 

[JWB389]

The replays, if there were any, were on relatively small video boards.

Interesting feedback. Sort of like a larger Franklin Field, I imagine.

RE: the comment I quoted above, there were very limited replays on TV. I rewatched last night as well. They replayed big plays maybe once. Other than that, nothing.

 

[bbrown]

Interesting feedback. Sort of like a larger Franklin Field, I imagine.

RE: the comment I quoted above, there were very limited replays on TV. I rewatched last night as well. They replayed big plays maybe once. Other than that, nothing.

I noticed the replays during the game too. I thought one of the reasons was PSU was using a lot of pace after a good play.

 

[LionJim]

Interesting feedback. Sort of like a larger Franklin Field, I imagine.

RE: the comment I quoted above, there were very limited replays on TV. I rewatched last night as well. They replayed big plays maybe once. Other than that, nothing.

My CSC aunt lived in Fresno and caught ten or twenty games in the Rose Bowl over the years. “Seats too far from the field.” Franklin Field was a good place to watch football.

 

[rudedude]

So an iconic venue that really isn’t fan friendly. And folks complain about the Beav.

 

[Big_O]

I saw a game there about 45 years ago and the stadium was not good then, when it was thought that the venue was a relic from the past. I don’t believe much has been done since then to improve the stadium, or the stadium experience.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Oh, and add terrible cell reception and no wifi.

 

[razpsu]

I went to the rose bowl and was disappointed? Oh my. Could have been worse. We could have lost.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I went to the rose bowl and was disappointed? Oh my. Could have been worse. We could have lost.

To be clear, I’m not saying I was disappointed. I’m just being realistic about one of the sports most iconic venues - and it reminded me of Beaver Stadium.

 

[Mr. Chim]

To be clear, I’m not saying I was disappointed. I’m just being realistic about one of the sports most iconic venues - and it reminded me of Beaver Stadium.

I’m not sure it could be much more different than Beaver Stadium. A comparison would be the big house.

 

[hazeydave]

WanderingSpectator I think you nailed the plus/minuses that we felt. Some similar thoughts:
- It was super cool to just be there at and in the stadium and soak it all in after watching the game on TV over the years. We were really glad and fortunate to attend the last "real" Rose Bowl game.
- We were surprised that the attendance was announced at almost 95k. It did not seem like there were close to what we get in Beaver Stadium.
- Felt kind of funny to be driving through, parking in and tailgating in the middle of a golf course. It must be trashed today.


Related-
- The Utah fans were super nice people. And VERY confident in their team. Every interaction we had with them in the days leading up as we were out and about, during tailgating and in the stadium was a good experience. From what I have seen, they felt the same way about PSU fans.

 

[Bvillebaron]

I think the stadium is a relic - and reminds me of Beaver Stadium.

Positives:
Great field conditions.
Awesome setting.
History and tradition.
Large Capacity.
Tailgating on grass and pavement.
LED lighting effects

Negatives:
Horrific traffic in and out.
Not enough bathrooms.
Long concessions line (bacon wrapped hot dogs with serrano peppers fried up on a cookie sheet seem to be their chicken basket).
$19 Beers.
Narrow, clogged portals into seating area
My knees were banging off the seat in front of me.
At the half, the coaches up in the box have to leave the stadium and take golf carts to get to the locker rooms.
The announcer was not very helpful (I’m in the minority, but I kind of like our guy Dean) The replays, if there were any, were on relatively small video boards.

Went there for the 1/1/2009 game. Worse in game experience of my life. Sat in the middle of the bench seats which were as you described with the sun shining in our eyes and the temperature about 90 degrees. In a mixed group of PSU/USC fans. Right before kickoff, two drunk PSU fans walk in and sit next to us. One of them had a cigar which I don't know if it was lit or not. A female USC fan in front of us was sure it was and tells him several times to put the cigar out. He ignores her. Finally, she says put that cigar out or I will put it out for you. He laughs and says you probably should consider losing 50 lbs. before you even think about that. The guy next to her stands up and says what did you say to my wife? Things went down hill from there. No security to be found anywhere. You couldn't pay me to go to another Rose Bowl.

 

[Mr. Chim]

Went there for the 1/1/2009 game. Worse in game experience of my life. Sat in the middle of the bench seats which were as you described with the sun shining in our eyes and the temperature about 90 degrees. In a mixed group of PSU/USC fans. Right before kickoff, two drunk PSU fans walk in and sit next to us. One of them had a cigar which I don't know if it was lit or not. A female USC fan in front of us was sure it was and tells him several times to put the cigar out. He ignores her. Finally, she says put that cigar out or I will put it out for you. He laughs and says you probably should consider losing 50 lbs. before you even think about that. The guy next to her stands up and says what did you say to my wife? Things went down hill from there. No security to be found anywhere. You couldn't pay me to go to another Rose Bowl.

Not sure what any of that thrilling anecdote had to do with the Rose bowl.

 

[djmccaslin]

Not sure what any of that thrilling anecdote had to do with the Rose bowl.

Literally could have happened anywhere.

 

[djmccaslin]

I think the stadium is a relic - and reminds me of Beaver Stadium.

Positives:
Great field conditions.
Awesome setting.
History and tradition.
Large Capacity.
Tailgating on grass and pavement.
LED lighting effects

Negatives:
Horrific traffic in and out.
Not enough bathrooms.
Long concessions line (bacon wrapped hot dogs with serrano peppers fried up on a cookie sheet seem to be their chicken basket).
$19 Beers.
Narrow, clogged portals into seating area
My knees were banging off the seat in front of me.
At the half, the coaches up in the box have to leave the stadium and take golf carts to get to the locker rooms.
The announcer was not very helpful (I’m in the minority, but I kind of like our guy Dean) The replays, if there were any, were on relatively small video boards.

Lived in Pasadena for past 12 years and been to Rose Bowl for football and soccer games over the years, including last 2 PSU Rose Bowls. What you lay out is pretty on par though I feel like the Rose Bowl does really try hard to get people not to park at the stadium because they know traffic is an issue. I tried to share that this year and in 2016/17 as well. We were very lucky that the heavy rains didnt come closer to the game because then parking would not have happened at the golf courses and would have been even more of a mess.

Restrooms is always an issue though where isn't it--except for maybe Sofi or ATT Stadiums. The narrow clogged tunnels are always a pain--especially when entering. When they hold people back (usually prior to the game), it is due to safety. I was told some years ago they hold people back because of some sort of earthquake safety issue but doesnt seem to be an issue when we are all leaving.

As for the $19 beers, you're in Southern California. Things cost more. The wife and I dropped $50 for a 24 oz Modelo and margarita a the Hollywood Bowl in October. I think Sofi for a regular season Rams/Chargers game might be slightly cheaper (~$15 or $16).

 

[Bvillebaron]

Literally could have happened anywhere.

Including Beaver Stadium?

 

[86ed]

I have many similar thoughts. If you don’t have a tailgate to go to there is no where to get a pregame beverage.

Bathroom lines were a nightmare. Took me 25 minutes at halftime just to get into one. Missed the first 3 plays of the 3rd Q. They need the beaver stadium troughs. I never did get a drink at halftime because I didn’t want to stand in another 25 minute line. Only vendors I saw inside the stadium were selling beer, but because I was driving I just wanted a soda.

Inside the Bowl cell service was as bad as the Beav. I went to away games at Auburn and Rutgers this year, no issue at all with cell service. C’mon Kraft, get on this.

I had heard nightmare stories with parking at the Stadium, so my plan was to drive to one of the Gold Line Metro Stations (Arcadia, with free parking) and take the train into Pasadena. Got off Metro, walked 4 blocks and there were shuttle buses (free) to take to the stadium. After the game the shuttle bus lines were packed so we walked about 40 minutes back to Pasadena metro station. The metro line parallels the 210 Freeway and the train was moving quickly past all of the stalled traffic on the 210. If I go back I will do the exact same thing.

Not sure I will go to another Rose Bowl, but I never say never. I will go to a PSU/UCLA game when they join the conference. The trip to LA is quite expensive for me. Tough to do on a tight budget. My main reason for going this year was because my son is a Senior at Penn State and this could be one of my last opportunities to do this kind of father/son trip.

I wish the weather had been better because the venue is scenic. Would have liked to have had a clear view of the mountains. Still, the “W” made the whole trip worth it.

 

[LionJim]

I have many similar thoughts. If you don’t have a tailgate to go to there is no where to get a pregame beverage.

Bathroom lines were a nightmare. Took me 25 minutes at halftime just to get into one. Missed the first 3 plays of the 3rd Q. They need the beaver stadium troughs. I never did get a drink at halftime because I didn’t want to stand in another 25 minute line. Only vendors I saw inside the stadium were selling beer, but because I was driving I just wanted a soda.

Inside the Bowl cell service was as bad as the Beav. I went to away games at Auburn and Rutgers this year, no issue at all with cell service. C’mon Kraft, get on this.

I had heard nightmare stories with parking at the Stadium, so my plan was to drive to one of the Gold Line Metro Stations (Arcadia, with free parking) and take the train into Pasadena. Got off Metro, walked 4 blocks and there were shuttle buses (free) to take to the stadium. After the game the shuttle bus lines were packed so we walked about 40 minutes back to Pasadena metro station. The metro line parallels the 210 Freeway and the train was moving quickly past all of the stalled traffic on the 210. If I go back I will do the exact same thing.

Not sure I will go to another Rose Bowl, but I never say never. I will go to a PSU/UCLA game when they join the conference. The trip to LA is quite expensive for me. Tough to do on a tight budget. My main reason for going this year was because my son is a Senior at Penn State and this could be one of my last opportunities to do this kind of father/son trip.

I wish the weather had been better because the venue is scenic. Would have liked to have had a clear view of the mountains. Still, the “W” made the whole trip worth it.

Glad to hear of your quality time with your boy. Well done.

 

[ChrisRN1965]

I think the stadium is a relic - and reminds me of Beaver Stadium.

Positives:
Great field conditions.
Awesome setting.
History and tradition.
Large Capacity.
Tailgating on grass and pavement.
LED lighting effects

Negatives:
Horrific traffic in and out.
Not enough bathrooms.
Long concessions line (bacon wrapped hot dogs with serrano peppers fried up on a cookie sheet seem to be their chicken basket).
$19 Beers.
Narrow, clogged portals into seating area
My knees were banging off the seat in front of me.
At the half, the coaches up in the box have to leave the stadium and take golf carts to get to the locker rooms.
The announcer was not very helpful (I’m in the minority, but I kind of like our guy Dean) The replays, if there were any, were on relatively small video boards.

I was at the Rose Bowl the last time PSU played in it. Your description is right on target. The setting with the mountains in the background is spectacular, the venue itself not so great. It makes the Beav look modern and fan friendly.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Lived in Pasadena for past 12 years and been to Rose Bowl for football and soccer games over the years, including last 2 PSU Rose Bowls. What you lay out is pretty on par though I feel like the Rose Bowl does really try hard to get people not to park at the stadium because they know traffic is an issue. I tried to share that this year and in 2016/17 as well. We were very lucky that the heavy rains didnt come closer to the game because then parking would not have happened at the golf courses and would have been even more of a mess.

Restrooms is always an issue though where isn't it--except for maybe Sofi or ATT Stadiums. The narrow clogged tunnels are always a pain--especially when entering. When they hold people back (usually prior to the game), it is due to safety. I was told some years ago they hold people back because of some sort of earthquake safety issue but doesnt seem to be an issue when we are all leaving.

As for the $19 beers, you're in Southern California. Things cost more. The wife and I dropped $50 for a 24 oz Modelo and margarita a the Hollywood Bowl in October. I think Sofi for a regular season Rams/Chargers game might be slightly cheaper (~$15 or $16).

The last three PSU games I was there were horrendous traffic getting out - especially last year when we parked on the golf course. And then even on the freeways back to LAX.

We were very lucky on our exit this year. I parked in Lot F, and it was really easy to get out. We exited straight down Arroyo Blvd. They turned both lanes into exit-only lanes, yet no one was using the left lane, so I passed countless cars that were lined up in single file. We were supposed to take my daughter to BUR for a 9pm flight. That flight kept getting pushed later and later, so I I told her to switch it to fly out of LAX. Thankfully, we made it there, and even though that flight was late, it made it out. Her original flight from BUR was eventually canceled.

 

[Mr. Chim]

Including Beaver Stadium?

Uhh, yeah bud.

 

[Bosco2]

The last three PSU games I was there were horrendous traffic getting out - especially last year when we parked on the golf course. And then even on the freeways back to LAX.

We were very lucky on our exit this year. I parked in Lot F, and it was really easy to get out. We exited straight down Arroyo Blvd. They turned both lanes into exit-only lanes, yet no one was using the left lane, so I passed countless cars that were lined up in single file. We were supposed to take my daughter to BUR for a 9pm flight. That flight kept getting pushed later and later, so I I told her to switch it to fly out of LAX. Thankfully, we made it there, and even though that flight was late, it made it out. Her original flight from BUR was eventually canceled.

For next time, please tell me how you got a pass for lot F. I got stuck on the golf course again and it’s just a nightmare.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

For next time, please tell me how you got a pass for lot F. I got stuck on the golf course again and it’s just a nightmare.

Through a Rose Bowl connection. We looked for another and they were going for $350 on the secondary market. It came with some drama though. After we got set up to tailgate, we noticed no one else was tailgating. We just thought we were early. Then a security guard came over and we were told there was no tailgating in that lot. We plead ignorance and obeyed his commands to keep the tailgate confined to our spots. Later, others (not many) set up other spots so we weren’t sure what the issue was.

 

[Manofsteel200]

I echo what the OP said. Stadium is ooollddd nothing to speak of. Game was awesome. Field looked amazing. 19.00 beers….no thanks.

We parked in the golf course and were out in 10 minutes. BUT, we stayed in the stadium for a long time. We didn’t want to leave.
In the fan fest area, Utah had a huge VIP area with music, food and beverages. Penn State had nothing.

The weather sucked but I didn’t notice once the game began.
Took the opportunity to make the trip with my brother. It was awesome.

 

[Akira5652]

This is my first time posting on BWI. My wife and I both went to the game.

thought it was an amazing experience. The stadium is a concrete structure but the grounds around the stadium are grass. The walk through Pasadena from the parade was interesting and wasn’t that far. On the other hand, when walking back , you are walking up hill and it’s a big hill.
If you were walking, too, there were dudes selling water and 12 oz beers right before you got to the stadium grounds. I bought two Modellos. (The beer guy said if it weren’t for Penn state fans, he wouldn’t have sold anything.)

The beer at the stadium was expensive but it was for a 24 oz sized can.

I only saw two fights at the game, minor skirmishes. One was in the stands and one was out in the concourse but that was mostly a Utah fan and Penn State fan kicking and slapping each other once. Other than that, some people were standing on the bleachers during the game, blocking our view, but they stopped doing that once the game started.

Our section was great and wild. It was a great time and I’m so glad we went

As for parking, my wife and I stayed at an airbnb in Arcadia, CA, and then took the metro gold line into Pasadena. I would use the metro for the game, when possible.

I though the seat views were good. My season tickets are in NEU so I am used to viewing the game from the end zone.

Lastly, because we stayed in Arcadia, we had to get from one side of downtown LA to the other, to get back to the airport. The traffic around downtown LA is heavy and I’m not used to that. That was the real deal.

Also, the parade was worth attending. We bought grandstand seats but it’s possible to get standing room, which is free. I just got tickets to make sure we could see the parade.

 

[bbrown]

This is my first time posting on BWI. My wife and I both went to the game.

thought it was an amazing experience. The stadium is a concrete structure but the grounds around the stadium are grass. The walk through Pasadena from the parade was interesting and wasn’t that far. On the other hand, when walking back , you are walking up hill and it’s a big hill.
If you were walking, too, there were dudes selling water and 12 oz beers right before you got to the stadium grounds. I bought two Modellos. (The beer guy said if it weren’t for Penn state fans, he wouldn’t have sold anything.)

The beer at the stadium was expensive but it was for a 24 oz sized can.

I only saw two fights at the game, minor skirmishes. One was in the stands and one was out in the concourse but that was mostly a Utah fan and Penn State fan kicking and slapping each other once. Other than that, some people were standing on the bleachers during the game, blocking our view, but they stopped doing that once the game started.

Our section was great and wild. It was a great time and I’m so glad we went

As for parking, my wife and I stayed at an airbnb in Arcadia, CA, and then took the metro gold line into Pasadena. I would use the metro for the game, when possible.

I though the seat views were good. My season tickets are in NEU so I am used to viewing the game from the end zone.

Lastly, because we stayed in Arcadia, we had to get from one side of downtown LA to the other, to get back to the airport. The traffic around downtown LA is heavy and I’m not used to that. That was the real deal.

Also, the parade was worth attending. We bought grandstand seats but it’s possible to get standing room, which is free. I just got tickets to make sure we could see the parade.

Nice. And we are NEU brothers. LOL.

 

[EPC FAN]

Oh, and add terrible cell reception and no wifi.

Watch the game and forget about social media for a few hours.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Watch the game and forget about social media for a few hours.

That’s why it was an afterthought. I usually stay off my phone during games. But… I did want to see the replay of the Utah TD. I tried to pull up the game on YouTube TV but couldn’t.