Pasadena Sues UCLA to Enforce Rose Bowl Lease Terms

Pasadena has initiated legal action against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to enforce the terms of its lease agreement for the Rose Bowl Stadium. The lawsuit, filed on October 29, 2025, in the Los Angeles Superior Court, aims to ensure that UCLA adheres to its commitment under the lease, which is set to expire in 2044.

In a statement released by the city, officials emphasized that the lease agreement is clear, stating there is no provision allowing UCLA to terminate the lease prior to its expiration. The Rose Bowl serves as the home field for UCLA’s football team and hosts the annual New Year’s Day football game, often referred to as “the grand-daddy of them all.”

The city has expressed concerns following indications from a UCLA representative regarding the university’s intention to breach the lease agreement. This contract was originally signed in 2010 and later amended in 2014.

UCLA has been a longstanding partner with Pasadena, with the city noting that it has consistently met its obligations under the agreement. The city has invested “significant time, effort, and financial resources” into the venue, including ongoing renovations in collaboration with the university.

The city’s statement emphasizes its commitment to protecting the contractual rights of Pasadena residents. “The City Council will do everything in its power to protect and defend the city’s contractual rights on behalf of the public interest,” the statement read.

This lawsuit arrives amid speculation that UCLA is contemplating relocating its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, which could significantly impact both the university’s relationship with the city and the future of the Rose Bowl as a premier sports venue.

As this legal situation unfolds, the city of Pasadena remains steadfast in its position, urging UCLA to honor its long-standing agreement.