Rose Bowl Game Officials Aim to Keep New Year’s Day Tradition in Expanded College Football Playoff

Rose Bowl officials are hopeful they can preserve their traditional New Year’s Day game slot and kickoff time in the expanded College Football Playoff format starting in 2026, according to ESPN.

Laura Farber, chair of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association’s Rose Bowl Management Committee, expressed optimism about maintaining the Jan. 1 date during an interview with ESPN at Big Ten media days on Tuesday.

“Because we’re the only bowl that has the date as part of our brand in the New Year’s Six bowls, it’s really imperative for us and important for us,” Farber told ESPN. 

Farber added that the game would like to keep its traditional 2 p.m. kickoff time but will be flexible.

The Rose Bowl will host CFP quarterfinals in the current 12-team format for 2024 and 2025. However, plans beyond that remain undetermined as playoff officials continue to evaluate the new system.

CFP leaders are pushing for an equitable approach for all New Year’s Six bowls in the expanded playoff structure, while acknowledging the Rose Bowl’s historical significance.

Farber noted to ESPN that if the current 12-team rotation continues, other New Year’s Six bowls would host semifinals, with the Rose Bowl remaining a quarterfinal.

“We’re excited the opportunity will exist for all kinds of teams to play in our game, not just our traditional partners,” Farber said in the ESPN report, referencing the shift from the historic Big Ten-Pac-12 matchup to the new CFP format.

As part of the changes, Farber explained that ticket allotments for participating teams will decrease, allowing more public access to all New Year’s Six bowls. 

“We want everyone to be able to see the ‘Grandaddy of Them All’,” she added.

Rich Clark, the new CFP executive director, told ESPN that major decisions about the playoff’s future are unlikely until after the upcoming season unfolds.