City Says UCLA Move From Rose Bowl Would Threaten Stadium Debt, City Services

Pasadena officials warned that UCLA’s planned departure from the Rose Bowl could jeopardize the city’s ability to repay hundreds of millions of dollars in stadium bond debt and force cuts to basic public services, according to newly detailed claims in the city’s lawsuit against the university and SoFi Stadium operators.

In the 214-page complaint, the city and the Rose Bowl Operating Company say they structured nearly $200 million in stadium renovation bonds around the guaranteed revenue from UCLA home football games, with debt payments reimbursed through stadium income rather than taxpayer funds.

City officials now say the loss of UCLA games could push those bond payments back onto Pasadena’s general fund — which also supports police, fire, libraries, housing, parks and post-disaster recovery tied to last year’s Eaton Fire.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when events were canceled, Pasadena was forced to cover Rose Bowl bond payments from its general fund, the lawsuit states. Officials argue UCLA’s exit could recreate that scenario on a long-term basis.

The lawsuit also details economic ripple effects tied to UCLA football weekends, which draw tens of thousands of fans and support hotels, restaurants, small businesses, stadium workers, vendors and parking operations throughout the city.

The complaint alleges that renovations and premium seating projects — including a high-profile South End Zone development — were undertaken specifically to enhance UCLA’s game-day experience. City officials say those investments now face financial uncertainty.

UCLA officials have not publicly responded to the city’s latest financial claims. The university previously notified Pasadena it intends to leave the Rose Bowl but has not committed to playing there beyond the current season.

Pasadena officials have broadened their legal battle to keep UCLA football at the Rose Bowl, adding SoFi Stadium operators tied to billionaire sports owner Stan Kroenke to the lawsuit.

Attorneys for the City claim Kroenke-controlled entities knowingly induced UCLA to abandon its long-term Rose Bowl lease, despite being aware of the university’s binding 2044 obligation.

Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company are seeking court orders to force UCLA to remain through 2044 under their lease agreement, warning that financial damages alone would not compensate for the economic and cultural losses.