UCLA Declines Proposal to Play at $5.5 Billion SoFi Stadium in 2026

The Bruins will continue to host home games at the historic Rose Bowl for the upcoming season.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA has confirmed that the university will keep its football home games at the Rose Bowl for the 2026 season, declining a proposal to relocate to the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The decision follows months of legal tension between UCLA, the city of Pasadena, and the Rose Bowl Operating Company over the potential move.

Why it matters

The Rose Bowl has been the home stadium for UCLA football since 1982, and the city of Pasadena has invested over $150 million in renovations to the iconic venue. The potential move to SoFi Stadium raised concerns about the impact on the local community and taxpayers who supported the Rose Bowl.

The details

UCLA vice chancellor Mary Osako stated that the university knows 'how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together.' The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company had previously filed a lawsuit arguing that the Bruins' potential departure would represent a 'profound betrayal of trust' and could cost the city up to $1 billion in damages.

  • UCLA will play the 2026 football season at the Rose Bowl.
  • The Bruins open the season on September 5, 2026 at the University of California, Berkeley.

The players

Mary Osako

UCLA vice chancellor of strategic communications.

Bob Chesney

First-year head coach of the UCLA Bruins football team.

Nico Iamaleava

UCLA's returning starting quarterback, who totaled nearly 2,000 passing yards and 505 rushing yards in 2025.

University of California, Berkeley

UCLA's opponent for their season opener on September 5, 2026, renewing a former Pac-12 rivalry.

Rose Bowl Operating Company

The organization that manages the Rose Bowl stadium, which filed a lawsuit against UCLA over the potential move to SoFi Stadium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“UCLA will play the upcoming football season at the Rose Bowl. We know how much game day means to Bruins — to our students, alumni and fans who plan their autumn around Saturdays together.”

— Mary Osako, UCLA Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications

What’s next

The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company will likely continue to monitor the situation and ensure that UCLA remains committed to playing at the historic Rose Bowl stadium.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the deep connection between UCLA and the Rose Bowl, as well as the importance of preserving iconic sports venues that have become integral parts of their local communities. It also underscores the challenges that universities can face when balancing tradition, fan loyalty, and financial considerations when it comes to their athletic programs.