The long-speculated idea of UCLA leaving the Rose Bowl for its home games has now taken center stage, with a ‘near-done deal’ that would end the Bruins’ nearly 43-year run there. Since 1982, the Bruins have played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Beginning with the 2026 season, they will play their home games at SoFi Stadium, as reported officially. The shift comes as UCLA officials cite greater revenue potential and proximity advantages. Yet fans seem unconvinced.

Yes, playing at the Rose Bowl seems hardly convenient to the Bruins, considering it sits 26 miles from campus, and its massive 90,000-seat capacity often leaves sections looking empty. SoFi Stadium, by contrast, sits just 12 miles from campus. Moreover, the modern venue offers UCLA a total of 70,000 seats with 13,000 premium seats and 260 luxury suites and promises new sponsorship and revenue opportunities.

Despite these advantages, a poll conducted by UCLA beat writer Ben Bolch shows strong fan loyalty to Pasadena. Of 1,040 votes, 79.5% favor staying at the Rose Bowl, while only 20.5% support the move to SoFi. The tension between tradition and modern business considerations is pretty evident.

UCLA is planning to buy out its lease with the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the City of Pasadena, with costs estimated between $60 million-80 million. But as it doesn’t expire until June 2044, the moving decision can bring legal issues for the school. Legal complications are already emerging, as the city filed a lawsuit on October 29, claiming UCLA is violating its long-term agreement. Now, that could potentially expose the school to over $1 billion in damages.

Even with legal battles and fan opposition, UCLA sees SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Chargers and Rams, as the future of Bruins football. For now, though, the debate over tradition versus revenue continues to dominate headlines and fan discussions alike.

UCLA fans make their stance crystal clear

Fans are not in denial of the Rose Bowl’s issues, but going to SoFi can solve all of these—that’s the biggest question. One fan put it best, saying, “Problems with the Rose Bowl (in a #UCLA football context): far from campus, too many seats to fill, old (but renovations are scheduled). SoFi Stadium solves exactly ZERO of these issues. Still far, still huge. Still gonna be empty seats. And now we don’t get to see this 💔”

Looks like, although the numbers may lean with the decision of UCLA’s move, fans’ emotions still stay with their old home stadium. It may not only affect the number of attendees on game day but also become a financial burden for the school. As one fan pointed out, “SOFI might be closer but is not as accessible to get to and when you do get there you w be tailgating on asphalt.”

Then another fan doubled down on that same sentiment, stating, “Moving to SoFi will not fix their attendance issue. Pauley Pavillion is rarely sold out. People don’t care about UCLA sports like they used to.” While most fans are focusing on distance and revenue as Rose Bowl problems, one comes with a different perspective.

“The only problem with the Rose Bowl is that the team playing there doesn’t win games, and UCLA consistently raises prices…,” wrote a fan. Although the idea of “winning games” isn’t entirely right, considering their five home wins in 2024. But this season’s struggles, with a 3–6 record, make that point even clearer.

Still, not all fans view the decision to move home games through the same lens. Probably that’s why a fan brought up the positive side of this decision. “It’s much easier to go from the west side to Inglewood than Pasadena. And you could conceivably take public transportation too. As far as seating, SoFi has fewer seats so it would mitigate the empty stadium feel.”

Since this decision hasn’t been implemented yet, fans can focus on the rollercoaster season of the Bruins.