Union Writes International Soccer Federation President, Telling Him Not to Choose Rose Bowl for 2026 World Cup Series

Members and supporters of UNITE HERE, Local 11 held a rally outside the Rose Bowl Saturday to ask Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and Pasadena officials to “choose carefully” as site visits loom to choose venues for the 2026 World Cup.

“As folks may or may not know,” said Local 11 spokesperson Maria Hernandez, “FIFA visits are currently approaching for potential venues, and we are asking FIFA leadership that whatever venue they choose, that it’s a venue that treats its workers with dignity and respect, and with fair and basic protections. As of right now, the Rose Bowl is not one of those venues.”

Local 11 said in a statement Saturday that “Event center jobs are among the lowest paid in the tourism industry, and The Rose Bowl is one of the only event centers in the Los Angeles area where workers do not have livable wages, affordable healthcare, job security, and other rights guaranteed by a union contract.

Local 11 members said they sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino asking that FIFA honor its commitment to human rights, including labor standards, and asking that FIFA not consider the Rose Bowl as a possible World Cup venue until such protections are in place.

Union members said they plan to address the City Council at its Monday meeting asking them for assurances that the Rose Bowl address its concerns before being chosen as a 2026 World Cup venue.

Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Darryl Dunn told Pasadena Now that “The Rose Bowl is always evaluating how we can best provide an exceptional guest experience while continuing to be great stewards of our iconic venue. We will continue to work with our third parties, including our food and beverage provider, to examine our services and how we best provide them.”

Pasadena Now reached out to Mayor Victor Gordo for comment and is awaiting a response. Gordo served as President of the Rose Bowl Operating Company from 2010 to 2019.