The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl have initiated legal action against UCLA, alleging that the university is attempting to breach its lease agreement by considering a move of its football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This lawsuit comes as a response to UCLA’s intentions to relocate despite an existing contract that ensures the Bruins remain at the Rose Bowl until the 2044 season.
Pasadena officials have expressed strong feelings about the situation, citing a “profound betrayal of trust” by UCLA. They highlight the significant financial investment made by taxpayers, totaling over $150 million in renovations and an additional $130 million in refinanced bonds intended for improvements to the Rose Bowl. The city argues that such a move could result in more than a billion dollars in damages for Pasadena and its residents, framing the university’s pursuit of profit as a threat to a vital community tradition.
The lawsuit emphasizes the cultural importance of the Rose Bowl to the city, contending, “This lawsuit arises in an era when money too often eclipses meaning and the pursuit of profit threatens to erase the very traditions that breathe life into institutions.” This sentiment reinforces Pasadena’s commitment to preserving the history and significance of the Rose Bowl as a key aspect of local identity.
In defense, UCLA’s outside counsel, David L. Scrader, conveyed in a letter that the university has not breached its lease by merely holding “preliminary discussions” regarding the move. He underscored UCLA’s focus on fiscal responsibility and strategic goals while maintaining that they aim to fulfill their mission effectively.
UCLA has a long-standing relationship with the Rose Bowl, having played there since 1982. The stadium lies approximately 26 miles from the UCLA campus. Recently, however, the team has faced challenges with attendance, a situation that may have been exacerbated by their performance on the field over the past few years.
In contrast, SoFi Stadium, located roughly 13 miles from UCLA, already serves as the home for two professional NFL teams, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. The prospect of relocation adds a new dynamic to the ongoing conversation about the future of college football in the region and the relationships between institutions and their communities.