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Rose Bowl Game

Get ready for the ultimate showdown in college football - the Rose Bowl Game! Don't miss out on this iconic and exciting event.

Friday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 1

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYTeam Sports

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready for one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in college football – the Rose Bowl Game on January 1! This annual tradition dates back to 1902 and has become known as "The Granddaddy of Them All." The game takes place at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California and features top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. It's a day filled with high energy, intense competition, and plenty of festivities surrounding the game. So mark your calendars and get ready to kick off the new year with some thrilling football action!

TIMELINE

Rose Bowl Game Timeline

First Rose Bowl Game

The first Rose Bowl Game was held in Pasadena, California, making it the oldest college football postseason bowl game.

Rose Bowl Stadium Construction

The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1922 and hosted its first Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 1923.

Game Moved Due to WWII

The 1942 Rose Bowl Game was moved to Durham, North Carolina, due to fears of a possible attack on the West Coast following Pearl Harbor.

First Live Color Broadcast

NBC conducted the first live color television broadcast of a college football game from the Rose Bowl in 1962.

Bowl Championship Series

The Rose Bowl became a part of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), hosting the national championship game every four years.

College Football Playoff Era

With the end of the BCS, the Rose Bowl Game became part of the College Football Playoff, hosting a semifinal match at least once every three years.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Rose Bowl Game

Host a tailgate party

Gather your friends and family and host a tailgate party before the Rose Bowl Game. Set up a grill, bring some snacks and drinks, and enjoy the pre-game festivities together.

DECORATE

Decorate with roses

In honor of the Rose Bowl Game, decorate your home or party space with roses. You can create centerpieces, wreaths, or even a rose wall for photo opportunities.

ORGANIZE

Organize a game-day potluck

Have each guest bring a dish to share for a game-day potluck. This way, everyone can try different foods and you won't have to worry about cooking for a large group.

PLAN

Plan a post-game celebration

Win or lose, plan a post-game celebration to continue the festivities after the Rose Bowl Game. This could be going out to a bar or restaurant, or simply hanging out at home with friends.

CREATE

Create a game-day playlist

Put together a playlist of your favorite songs to get you pumped up for the Rose Bowl Game. You can even ask your guests to contribute their favorite songs to add to the playlist.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Rose Bowl Game

Fun atmosphere and festivities

Attending the Rose Bowl Game is not just about watching a great football game - it's an experience! From tailgating parties to pre-game parades and halftime shows, the whole atmosphere is fun and festive. It's a great way to spend time with friends and family and create unforgettable memories.

Tradition and history

The Rose Bowl Game has been a beloved tradition for over a century, with its first game being played in 1902. It's not only one of the oldest bowl games in college football, but it also has a rich history of legendary moments, rivalries, and traditions that add to its charm and excitement.

Top-notch teams and exciting gameplay

Every year, the Rose Bowl Game features some of the top-ranked teams in college football, making it one of the most highly anticipated matches of the season. The intense competition and high-quality gameplay never disappoint, making it a must-watch event for any sports fan.