UCLA Hosts New Mexico in Rare Friday Night Football Game at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl

[UPDATED] In a scheduling twist that will alter the usual Friday night rhythm in Pasadena, UCLA will host the University of New Mexico for a non-conference football matchup at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 12. Kickoff is set for 7:10 p.m., marking an uncommon end-of-week game at the city’s landmark stadium.

The contest is the Bruins’ third game of the season and their first at home following back-to-back losses to Utah (in the Bowl)  and UNLV (on the road). It will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcast locally on AM 790.

The shift to a Friday night slot is expected to impact traffic patterns and local logistics, particularly in Old Pasadena and neighborhoods surrounding the Arroyo Seco.

UCLA enters the game 0–2, still seeking its first win under sophomore quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a Long Beach native who transferred from Tennessee. Iamaleava threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns and added 59 rushing yards in last week’s 30–23 loss to UNLV, totaling 314 yards of offense, according to the university’s game notes.

The Bruins’ defense will look to rebound behind standout linebackers Isaiah Chisom and JonJon Vaughns, who lead the team in tackles. Vaughns recorded 10 tackles and Chisom added 9 in the UNLV game. Both are expected to play key roles against New Mexico.

New Mexico, 1–1 on the season, last faced UCLA in the 2002 Las Vegas Bowl, a game the Bruins won 27–13. Friday’s matchup will be only the second meeting between the programs.

The Bruins’ next home game at the Rose Bowl is scheduled for Oct. 4 against Penn State.

Residents near the stadium should anticipate increased traffic and parking enforcement.