The UCLA Bruins will play their last game of the season in the Rose Bowl on Saturday. But as of now, it is unknown if they are playing their last game as a tenant in the iconic stadium.
Last week, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge denied Pasadena’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have kept the Bruins at the Rose Bowl while a lawsuit over the team’s lease unfolds.
The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company filed the request in connection with their lawsuit accusing UCLA of attempting to shift future home games away from the stadium, in violation of a contract requiring the team to play at the Rose Bowl through 2044.
Judge James Chalfant rejected the City’s TRO request, ruling the City had not shown sufficient emergency circumstances requiring immediate intervention — particularly since UCLA stated it has not yet signed any agreement to play at SoFi Stadium or elsewhere.
In the City’s lawsuit, lawyers claim UCLA officials have said several times they plan to leave the Rose Bowl. It is unlikely the Bruins would attempt to break the lease with the RBOC if a deal was not in place elsewhere.
A conference with legal counsel on the matter is set for a closed session meeting of the City Council on Monday. Under state law, litigation can be discussed away from the public in closed session.
Media reports cite the distance from the college to the stadium and increased revenue in suite seating as UCLA’s reason for seeking a new lease elsewhere.
In a statement following the decision, the City said it appreciated “the Court’s careful and thoughtful consideration” and noted that the judge left open the door for further legal action.
“The Court did invite the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company to seek discovery and to file a motion for a preliminary injunction,” the City said.
The Court also acknowledged that there is “real and concrete evidence of injury and irreparable harm” to Pasadena — harm not compensable by money damages alone, according to the City’s statement.
Pasadena now intends to pursue a preliminary injunction and potentially a permanent order requiring UCLA to comply with the lease. Attorneys for the City said they are preparing to expedite discovery and have filed public records requests to obtain documentation from UCLA.
“Even though the judge found there was no immediate emergency, we’re very pleased with his statements,” said Nima Mohebbi, an attorney representing the City and stadium. “He made very clear that there’s irreparable harm and that UCLA has an obligation to play at the Rose Bowl through 2044.”
No date has been set for the next hearing, though further filings are expected as the case moves forward. The City is expected to file its preliminary injunction motion in the coming days.
“The City is confident the Court will see the irreparable harm facing the Rose Bowl Stadium, the City of Pasadena, public taxpayers, and the regional economy should UCLA move forward with plans to breach its lease,” the City said.
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