City Council Vote Could Lead to More ‘Displacement Events’ at Rose Bowl

The Pasadena City Council will consider a recommendation to delegate the authority for hosting additional displacement events at the Rose Bowl to the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board. This proposal aims to temporarily increase the number of such events from 15 to up to 25 per year, extending through Dec. 31, 2033.

The proposed change would amend the Arroyo Seco Public Lands Ordinance, which currently limits displacement events to 15 annually without City Council approval. The new recommendation, if adopted, would empower the Rose Bowl Operating Company Board to make the necessary findings to host up to 25 events each year.

A displacement event is considered any event with an expected attendance of 20,000 people or more, according to the ordinance.

Neighbors living nearby have long complained about the noise caused by large displacement events.

So far, the City has received about half a dozen letters supporting more events.

“There is no doubt the tremendous economic impact the Rose Bowl events have on our city as well as the region,” wrote Todd J. Walklett. “Our hotels fill up and our area businesses and restaurants bustle with activity on and around event days.

“Yes, there is the predictable hours of traffic congestion, but we understand that is a small inconvenience for the privilege of having a spectacular venue and safe recreation area within a short distance. It is hard to imagine what would come of Pasadena and the surrounding neighborhoods if the Rose Bowl stadium lost its relevance in the highly competitive Southern California sports and entertainment market. It will take the same great leadership and foresight now as those that came before. Please do not let our City of Roses lose our cherished Rose Bowl Stadium. Today’s decisions will be tomorrow’s reality.”

The Rose Bowl Operating Company’s request for this amendment stems from the financial necessity of maintaining and operating the Rose Bowl Stadium, which has struggled with debt from a 2012 renovation. Recent financial reports indicate that hosting 22 or more events annually significantly improves the stadium’s financial stability. The Rose Bowl Operating Company’s fiscal health has been bolstered by increased revenue from recent years, driven in part by the 22 displacement events held in 2022 and 2023.

The proposal also addresses concerns about the lengthy and uncertain process of seeking City Council approval for each additional event beyond the annual 15. This uncertainty has posed challenges for securing long-term contracts with event promoters, such as those for music festivals and professional soccer matches.

City staff recommends that the proposed ordinance amendment be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, citing the “common sense” exemption which applies when there is no significant environmental impact anticipated. A full California Environmental Quality Act review will be conducted before any actions are taken by the Rose Bowl Operating Company under the amended ordinance.

The proposed changes are expected to enhance the Rose Bowl Operating Company’s ability to attract and retain major events, securing its financial future and supporting ongoing operations and improvements to the Rose Bowl Stadium and Brookside Golf Courses.

“If approved, the ordinance amendment will pave the way for increased revenue and long-term stability for one of Pasadena’s historic venues,” according to a City staff report.