Pasadena and Rose Bowl Operating Co. File Lawsuit Against UCLA Over Football Stadium Dispute
The City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Co. have taken a significant step in their dispute with UCLA over the university’s potential departure from the historic Rose Bowl stadium. On Wednesday night, they filed a lawsuit against UCLA and the University of California Regents, seeking to enforce the remaining 20 years of the university’s contract and keep Bruin football games at the Rose Bowl through 2044.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that UCLA has been “unequivocally expressing its intent to abandon the Rose Bowl Stadium and relocate its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood,” which the plaintiffs consider “a profound betrayal of trust.” This move is seen as a significant blow to the city of Pasadena, which has invested heavily in the stadium’s renovations, with taxpayers contributing over $150 million and an additional $130 million in refinanced bonds for capital improvements.
UCLA’s Lease and Alleged Breach of Contract
UCLA’s lease with the Rose Bowl runs until June 30, 2044. The lawsuit claims that despite public assurances of their commitment to staying, UCLA has chosen to disregard these promises and has formally notified the plaintiffs of its intention to leave. The filing states, “This lawsuit arises in an era when money too often eclipses meaning and the pursuit of profit threatens to erase the very traditions that breathe life into institutions. Some commitments are too fundamental to be traded away.”
Although UCLA has not yet filed a formal response to the lawsuit, the university has disputed the allegations. In a letter to Pasadena’s attorney, Nima Mohebbi, UCLA outside counsel David L. Schrader wrote that the university has not violated the agreement and that “preliminary discussions” about a potential move do not constitute a material breach. Schrader emphasized that UCLA “continues to evaluate strategic goals and how to be fiscally responsible and best fulfill its mission.”
Consequences of UCLA’s Potential Departure
The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring UCLA to honor the entirety of its lease. The filing contends that UCLA’s departure would be devastating to Pasadena and the stadium, with potential harm exceeding $1 billion. It also argues that monetary damages could never fully remedy the consequences of UCLA’s conduct. Home attendance has been a concern for UCLA, with the team averaging 35,253 fans for its four home games this season, putting it on track for an all-time low at the Rose Bowl.
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