Rose Bowl
Category: Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pasadena1001 Rose Bowl Dr
Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 449-4100
- Good for Kids: Yes
70 Reviews for Rose Bowl
I used to live a couple minutes away from here, and I can honestly say that i totally miss it! walking, jogging, or running was always a great way to start or end my day. I wish i had something like that near me in North Hollywood, but..... we all kno that's not the case.
If your looking for some quiet time to think or let off some steam, this is a great short 3 miles to clear your head and lose a couple pounds in the process.
Once you're actually inside the stadium, the Rose Bowl is a wonderful place to watch a college-football game. I've seen two games here (BYU vs. UCLA in the '90s and Notre Dame vs. UCLA last year), and both times, I really enjoyed myself. This place has got more college-football history than the Coliseum, and it's a lot nicer too. But then, that's because UCLA doesn't destroy it with tacky banners (if you've ever been to the Coliseum, you'll know what I'm talking about). Thank God USC was bluffing on its threat to play this year's games in Pasadena.
This plays loses a star (and almost two) for having the absolute worst parking setup ever. I understand that it can take awhile to get your car away from a stadium, but is it really necessary to park in a golf course? And I'm not exaggerating; you'll literally be parked on the fourteenth fairway. It's also a pain to get your car in and out of here.
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I remember driving around here for driver's ed. The instructor was this dainty little Armenian man who put on ethnic music and told me the singer was the "Michael Jackson of Armenia".
At that point, I nearly ran over an over zealous jogger who was on the trail.
Amateur.
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Been here many times over the years, many times. Here are some bullet-points:
* No beer at the UCLA games....ugh
* Soccer/futbol matches are great experiences, unless you're in GA and get "rained" on.
* Parking is OK, though I choose to take the shuttle from Old Town
* Concessions.....basic
Scenery...beautiful
Ease of Parking: Great
Amenities: Great
Letting me forget I'm in the city: Great
LOVED it here. I came here Sunday morning with my friend's wife and we ran around the golf course. One lap was about 2 miles. I loved the golf course and the view of the San Gabriel mountains.
Completely relaxing and NO VIEWS of traffic. I can't even find that in south bay!
Tip: In either direction you can choose to run the unpaved trail. A nice scenery change and way to get out of the baking sun...
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Its the Rose Bowl. Even though I was here to watch my team get demolished by the NFL team that is the USC trojans, it was still awesome.
Anyone who has a chance to go see their team play here should take advantage of it.
Thank you Rose Bowl...now I can run twelve miles...thank you for not providing enough shade when I run twelve miles...thank you for providing cutie pies playing golf while I run twelve miles...Mr. Andre 2000 look-alike, you keep me entertained while I run-while you golf...
To all the Rose Bowl Runners, may the fierce be with you....
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Flea market is great. 4th of July firework show is probably the best I've ever seen.
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I haven't actually been IN the Rose Bowl since the late 80's for a concert. However, I am very familiar with the Rose Bowl parking lot. ;) Once a month, the parking lot hosts the Rose Bowl Flea Market. It's ridiculously comprehensive and all kinds of unnecessary items can be found there: vintage clothing, ugly 80's furniture, used toys, whatever you want, you'll find it there. There is an entry cost but it's worth it.
I also walk around the Rose Bowl at least once a week as part of my exercise regimen. The Rose Bowl is the perfect place to walk, especially if you are a woman who wants to walk alone. There are always a good amount of people to be found walking, even on an evening in Winter. I never feel unsafe and it takes about an hour to walk the full way around the Rose Bowl; the walk is a total of 3 miles. It's also a very dog friendly environment.
If it's one thing I realized while I stood there in the middle of the football field at the Rose Bowl last night -- I f'ing love the Rose Bowl.
It was the place where my first UCLA buddy and I went to teach me how to watch football here since I wanted to do something new. It's been almost 4 years since that time and I have a better (yet still imperfect...I'm working on it :) ) understanding of football. Thank goodness for the Rose Bowl.
I've watched and been to many games since then and it's true that there's no bad seat in the house, as others have said....but as I found out yesterday, seating in the lower levels of the blue section, TV side (http://uclabruins.cstv...) is pretty sweet too.
Tailgating here is pretty fun too. There's nothing like enjoying the day with grilled food, alcohol, and great company. The regional UCLA Alumni clubs (i.e. South Bay Bruins, Rose Bowl Bruins) meet up here during games too, if you're an alumni wanting to join in the fun with some new people.
As far as the football field itself, this isn't going to be useful to anyone on Yelp, but the grass isn't soft as I thought it would be. And the 30 yard line is pretty damn far from the goal post. (http://www.yelp.com/bi... ) The players just make it look easy. But, the view from the football field is also as awesome as the view from the stadium seats. I guess that makes up for it.
Honestly, what else can I say...I f'in love this place.
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Every 2nd sunday of each month, they have a flea market here...
and I had the BEST shopping experience there!!
you'll find new and vintage clothing to remade furniture, and collectibles for so cheap. My first visit, I bought the 1950s Stratton of England Compact Mirror for $10 (usually around $60~$100). Second visit, I bought 2 dresses, 2 tops, and one sunglasses and didn't even add up to more than $40.
I notice they do give discounts around closing time too.
I'll just remind people to bring carts with water bottles and snacks, and wear sunscreen.
I have been a UCLA season ticket holder for over 11 seasons now. So here's some tips from an insider...
Getting here: the secret way to get into the front (Lot H) is to take the 110 N to the Orange Grove exit. Make a left. You will take this street a few miles and pass over the 134. Make a left on Rosemont, go down the hill into the Bowl. You will be directed right into Lot H! But it fills up first, so come early or you will be directed to the golf course.
FOR FOOTBALL:
TAILGATING
-Get here EARLY. Gates open 4 hours before kick off and for bigger games even earlier.
-You will be parking on a golf course, so you'll be directed by a slew of staff into a non-marked space. PARKING IS $10
-You can tailgate with anything...BBQs, satellite TV, alcohol, you name it. If you can give it power, you can use it.
-In Lot H, there is the "main" tailgating areas. In-N-Out, Carl's Jr, UCLA merchandise, and the radio stations are here. This is also where the band marches in and the team comes in too.
-If you park in the numbered lots, make sure you really check where you park because you will need to find your car on the way out.
-Lot H has stalled bathrooms that tend to stay stocked with TP but have no soap or paper towels. The other lots have porta-potties. If you need to squat somewhere, I'm sure you can figure that out since there are tons of cars and people are drunk. No, they aren't watching you.
THE GAME
-There is NO ALCOHOL sold here, which is how I like it. So get super drunk at the tailgate and then you sober up enough during the game to drive home after.
-You can bring in backpacks but no umbrellas or signs. They will look through your stuff at security. You can bring in water bottles but they have to be unopened.
-There is NOT A BAD SEAT IN THE HOUSE. Anywhere you sit is a great view.
-THE SUNNY SIDE IS SECTIONS 1-12 and 24-28. YOU WILL ROAST IN THESE SEATS SO DRESS APPROPRIATELY. That means hats, sunscreen, bikini tops, and spray water bottles.
-SHADY SIDE is Sections 13-23. You will be in shade from the press box. If it's cool weather, dress appropriately because you might get cold.
-Food consists of hot dogs, pretzels, frozen lemonade, ice cream, cotton candy, sodas, etc.
-Bathrooms have enter on one side, exit on the other. To turn on the water at the weird fountain sinks, press the button repeatedly repeatedly on the edges. HINT: use the handicapped marked bathrooms (there's non-handicapped stalls in there too) along the outer edges of each section for a shorter wait.
FOR CONCERTS
-Mostly the same stuff applies, but the stage typically is in front of sections 24-27. So try to get seats closer to these sections to see better. I saw N'Sync here years ago and it was AWESOME so don't miss a concert here just because it's a large venue. Some acts may use a center stage, but I haven't experienced that so I can't speak on it.
GO BRUINS!
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This stadium was great. There was not a bad seat in the house. Michigan seats 115,000 and it's quiet. This seats 100,000 and is electric. This place would be perfect if all USC fans were banned. I'm glad I got to experience a Rose Bowl game here!
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What a gorgeous place to watch a football game. You're surrounded by mountains! I can't think of a better natural setting for a college football game.
Unfortunately, the great location does provide for some logistical issues, such as, how do you move 90,000+ people from there once the game is over? They have shuttles, but the line to get on them was ridiculously long, so we just walked it back to downtown Pasadena. It wasn't a short walk, and I didn't exactly know where I was going, but I just followed the crowd.
Also, the concessions could be a bit more diverse and the "tunnel guards" are a bit power trip-y.
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This place is very, very special. I figured that since the "grandaddy of the all" was set to kick off here in a few hours between USC and Illinois, I'd throw this gem in Pasadena some props.
It's been a loooooonnnnnng time since I've been here, but the mere sight of the bowl itself will take your breath away (insert Berlin jam here). It's been a college football fixture since 1923 and it reeks of football history. It's a real "football" stadium, not equipped with new, state-of-the-art seats or fancy technology...just benches, and more benches.
To be honest with you, the last time I was there was in 2001 when I tried out for season two of American Idol! So lame...but I haven't been up there since. I vow to check out a few UCLA games next year...and probably another USC Rose Bowl game next year, as the Trojans seem to go every single year.
My pick for today's game: Fighting Illini-38. SC-35. MVP is Juice Williams.
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Haven't actually seen the Rose Bowl from the inside, but do I adore the 3 mile trail around it.
I decided it was time to take control of the browies and cookies, and Asian spare ribs and sushi, and Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, and BBQ ribs, and pasta, and fried calamari, and fried fish, and shellfish..oh yeah, oh oh and cheeseburgers....fries, and fried onion rings, and pie...lots of yummy pie, apple, sweet potatoe, pumpkin, did we talk about icecream yet...oh icecream....ube and coconut. I want some halo halo.......yeah. Oh yeah....Take control of the cravings and where my body has come, in regards to BMI. (Body Mass Index)
So my lovely friend Kevin asked if I wanted to go running with him and his cousin. I went with these two boys and got addicted. The crowd at the rosebowl is all about geting fit. Not looking pretty or picking up some random hot guy who is all sweaty and firm and cut and...sorry...ahem. But it is a place to go work out and feel the momentum of everyone else determined to get a solid work out and shape up. I was inspired by these people.
It is usually a nice crowd of people around the trail, so you feel safe even if you run alone. I give it 5 star! I lost 10 lbs so far at the Rose Bowl, and will resume my running there when the sun decided to stay out beyond 5 pm.
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I'd never been to a "real" college football game before. I mean, a football game featuring big time schools, tailgating, and loyal, die-hard fans.
Let me tell you...UCLA football fans are something else. I didn't quite have that kind of college experience, but it would have been cool to go to a school that was so well known for it's sports and academics like UCLA. Not to knock Loyola or anything, but UCLA is the first school to 100 NCAA championships.
On to the venue...the Rose Bowl is a very large stadium, and yet, you can get a pretty good view of the field even from the upper rows. Despite this, I probably wouldn't want to see a concert here. The parking lot was easy to get into since people are directing traffic. Getting out actually isn't bad if you wait around for a while afterwards. My group stayed for a while afterwards grilling up some dinner and tossing the football around. The bathrooms were decent! I was so surprised that it wasn't gross in there given the number of people at the game.
If you're not up for tailgating and don't have the patience for getting out of the parking lot, there are shuttles that do round trips from Old Town Pasadena and go to the Rose Bowl.
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Never seen a game here, never been to any kind of event in these here parts either.
I did use their parking lot, and trails/roads/streets to learn how to drive way back in the day.
It has it's uses. ;-)
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I've been to a couple of UCLA games here and yes there isn't a bad seat in the house but I come here for another reason and that is to run around the Bowl.
The Bowl's circumference is approximately 3 miles so with that said, there's no need to question how many miles you've accumulated versus running down the neighborhood.
There are a lot of people that make their pilgrimage here; whether it's the die hard athletes who run about 5+ laps, the folks who jog/ powerwalk to lose those extra pounds or the ones that just want to stroll down to destress. However, seeing those intense runners motivate you to put your back in to it!!!
I have come here several times to see the Rose Bowl games. The tailgate parties are a blast and especially cool if you are lucky enough to have access to one of the VIP tents.
The facility itself is ok but not great but it is an LA landmark so I am forgiving.
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Most ballinous tailgaters. The cops don't give a sh*t! Nowhere else in California can you wander around with a handle of vodka and take shots with 90,000 of your closest friends. Although parking sucks, I must say they do a pretty good job of getting people in and out. 5 stars for the best stadium, and I'm not even a Bruin fan...
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Every time I come here, a fight breaks out. The first time, it was a bruin who spat on a bear. The second time was when a bruin shoved a bear. I dunno if it's because the raiders left, so the rowdy fans had nowhere to go but to SC and LA games.
The only thing worse than a sore loser is an assh*le winner.
"I guess bears don't know how to play in the sunshine."
Lame. You stay classy, UCLA.
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Ok... maybe I'm being a little sore loser from yesterday's game. Not all bruin fans are bad. Some of them are pretty nice. But they're RARE! =p
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The Rose Bowl - F*ck SC!
(I'm sorry, I had to do that. I'm a Bruin.)
The wonderful Rose Bowl houses my beloved UCLA football games and for that alone, it gets five stars. If I were an objective person, I would take off a couple for stupid things, but since I'm totally biased due to my love for my alma mater, five stars it stays!
But, for you to make your own opinion, here's a quick pros/cons list of the Rose Bowl (football style):
- pro = it's a gigantic stadium that fits over 90,000 people
- con = parking is a pain when you have over 90,000 people
- pro = you can park on the golf course and tailgate when there's a game (and when else can you drive around on a golf course with a real car??)
- con = trying to find your car after the game is like getting lost in a corn field, the lucky ones have car remotes to press the alarms on
- pro = bacon wrapped hot dog vendors camp out on said golf course after the games (and they are delicious!)
- con = food is damn expensive ($4 for a regular soda, $5 for a hot dog)
- pro = the UCLA Bruins play football here!
- con = there's nothing bad to say about that...
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There is nothing like waking up early on a crisp Sunday morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and making a drive out to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Flea Market! I live in Orange County and I normally would never dream of waking up early on a Sunday. But, the Rose Bowl is a different story.
I have too much stuff now that I need not look for anymore vintage furniture. But, I have found some steals here. Things like Blenko and Murano vintage vases to Bakelite jewelry. My favorite piece is a bracelet that I got for $1.00. Which is by the way valued at $60.00. It always makes me giddy inside when the dealer doesn't know what treasure they have and I get to buy it for nothing. I love the clothing vender's as well. There are so many vintage clothing dealers.... I seriously need a bigger closet.
I do avoid the Rose Bowl in the summer. It is far to warm. But, they let you roam around with beer while you shop......
If you are looking for something new, then there is a section just for that. But, the good stuff is in the used lot section......
I would suggest eating prior to coming or pack some snacks. The food vender's are over priced.
Wear comfortable shoes. It's not a fashion show! I don't understand chicks dressed to the nines for a flea market.
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Not a bad seat in the house. This venue is definately a classic. I've been coming to UCLA football games here for over 15 years. It is one of the more picturesque venues to watch a game. For you tailgaters, it's best to come early because a lot of the parking is on the golf course. Otherwise, there is a shuttle from old town that will take you there free. UCLA FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
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The rose bowl will never fill you up and never let you down! GO UCLA. there's always next year. Try to use the shuttle to get to the game. Parking is the only bad part.
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just walked around it after reading all the reviews.
will def do it again and next time, maybe i'll jog.
I've lived in San Gabriel Valley practically my entire life..and it's sad to say that I've only seen the Rose Bowl up close in person ..once. OK maybe there are few other times like when I was younger at those Swap Meets they have every weekend. But I can't remember things from way back in the dark ages.
I came here on the 4th of July, and thought, WOW, I thought the Rose Bowl was bigger. I've seen it plenty of times for UCLA football games... but up close.. it looks pretty small.
On top of the small stadium, the parking is insane. It's just... all over the place. It's like a freaken Disneyland all over again.
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Really hungover.
Really tired.
Really hot.
10$ admission, 5$ ATM "fee".
BEER TENT. All is well, move along.
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One of the truly GREAT places to watch a football game. I went for the Cal v UCLA game and my experience this time was a little different because I had to use their accessible / handicapped services. I was very happy that we had separate seating but the staff were a bit "uninformed". Even though I was clearly in pain they made me walk across the stadium and they got lost. The venue is amazing...the staff, not so much. Parking is a freakin' nightmare. You have to park on the golf course and there's no clear markers to find your car.
Came here for a UCLA vs. Cal game and it was great. The parking lot is actually the golf course and it's a cool place to tailgate. If you leave a few minutes before the game is over, getting out is really easy.
I wish they served beer at this game though, i lost my buzz into the second quarter.
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This place is my favorite place for running and cycling. Its suits those two activities to a T. Back when I was *actually* running more than 2 days a week, I would come here and do either 1 or 2 laps. Tuesdays and Thursdays were especially fun because you had some great sights with the hundreds (okay, exaggerating) cyclists that would whisk by you. All you see are muscular buns and legs. Wooo!
Depending on what time of day you go, however, you'll have to maneuver your way around the countless baby strollers, kids on rollerblades, packs of dogs, soccer moms, etc. It's okay though, because it sure has that family feel and that makes for a happy place.
Ah, the Rose Bowl. How many lazy Saturdays have I wasted lounging on the golf course around you that doubles as a parking lot and tailgate heaven.
Seriously, where most stadiums understandably are surrounded by filthy asphalt parking lots, this place has acres of pristine green around it that make it perfect for some tackle football games or just a bbq with some fellow Bruins.
If you're not going to tailgate and don't want to deal with the hell that is getting in/out of the Rose Bowl (there's only three exits out of here and one of them is frequently closed off by the cops), take the shuttle from downtown Pasadena. It takes you straight to the stadium and cuts in front of a lot of traffic on some secret route designated only for buses.
Hands down one of my favorite places in the planet. I completed my first triathlon here. I learned how to run for distance and be a cyclist here. One of my favorite local golf course Brookside #1 is located here. What else can I ask for?
The people you run into at the Rose Bowl are great. All the runners and the cyclists are almost like a family. Biggest upside, it's not exclusive to the hardcore athletes. You have families who take their kids here, elderly taking brisk walks, or that dude that just got off work and decided to sprint 3 miles with his jeans on. I find it very inspirational to exercise here. If Oscar De La Hoya can run here, so can you.
They offer a perfect 3 MI oval for cyclist that can lead you to multiple routes around the Pasadena area. They also have a state of the art swimming facility. Weeknights are typically full of soccer games throughout the night. Just a word of caution if walking or running, stay within the lines as the cyclist hug the bordering paint line to avoid the few cars that pass through.
Let us not forget that they have an awesome Swap Meet here as well. I consider myself blessed that my GF lives only a mile away from this gem. So overall this place is the bomb.com!!!!
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Located blocks from my best friends house and less than miles from my high school and swim local, the Rose Bowl hosts one of the best if not THE best flea markets. Every 2nd Sunday of the month, hundreds and hundreds of venders ranging from knives to jerky to incense to knock-off purses set up here. There are so many neat things to walk around browse through.
The times are from 9am --- 3pm and for $7 a person. If you want to go earlier with all the "celebs" you have to pay more, more importantly you get dibs on things before all the others and in the summer, before it gets blistering hot in P-dena.
Best thing is that parking is free and there is also a live auction. One year I just sat there bidding on things and ended up taking a Samurai Sword and all sorts of random trinkets.
I especially love the unique art work and jewelry you can find here. There's something about purchasing something from the actual person that crafter the jewelry that makes the piece seem more valuable to me.
If you are from "Pasadena" as many seem to claim, you know that this event is definitely worth coming out to, and if you don't know about it you really aren't "from" Pasadena.
As for everyone else, definitely check it out for fresh way to start of your Sunday morning.
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Wonderful place to go for a morning stroll or run on a weekend.
I love that...
there ARE people who take advantage of a beautiful weekend morning to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
the crowd of visitors are diverse.. families, couples, singles
parking is available and free!
people are friendly!
i'm so proud of meself, jogged the whole 3+ miles around the rose bowl this morning.. took 35 minutes, but i still give myself a nice paty on the back!
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Running in circles (a review of the track around the Bowl).
Running this 3 mile loop goes by fast. The people, dogs and hills make it interesting. But sometimes it's so popular that the running lane gets crowded with moms and dads with their fancy sport strollers! Who am I kidding, I'm totally going to get one too!
Tips: Fore!! Watch out for stray golf balls. Parking is plentiful.
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I come here to Run and get away from the typical Gym / treadmil stuff.
I need some nature around me....now this place is great for a run/ walk/bike/rollerblade with your family,friends or your dogs.
Not over crowded and you can definetly enjoy the different routes and hills for a more stronger walk and run...wooooo talking about it will make you sweat!
Make sure to put on that sunblock/hat and glasses cause that sun will blind ya!
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Ever hear that line, "Good from afar but FAR from good," that is the Rose Bowl. Or maybe the Rose Bowl is the equal of that girl you meet in a bar, after too many drinks, around closing time, that would be called a "Butter Face." As in, everything is good but her face. Anyway, sorry to cross the line but I HATE this place. I'm not refering to the swap meet here so don't get your panties in a wad, just the football watching experience.
I've seen many SC-UCLA games here as well as a Rose Bowl victory for USC over Michigan (Go Blue, as in go home!) that clinched a National Title but even with these fond memories this stadium SUCKS.
I have never seen a worse cluster-phuck for parking and access. You park on a golf course, then walk 4.5 miles to the stadium (killing any pre-game, tailgate buzz) to finally get in and sit pressed up next to your neighbor on steel benches. Ummmmmm hello, 2007, buy some bleeping seats! Also the inside is just a giant freaking bowl. No levels, no different decks to bring you closer to the action, a scoreboard from 1971 and of course drunk, sobbing Bruin fans too close to you.
And they want the NFL to play here? Oh god no. They also have a giant overhang under the press box area where if you are sitting, there, don't stand up all the way or you'll hit your head. After one of our many SC beatdowns on LA, my buddy pumped his fist in the air, accidentally hit the roof and bloodied his hand. Nice stadium.
Also, we should knock this place down just for holding American Idol auditions and being part of that drain on society......
I do have one good thing to say though - once seated, if you look around at the mountains surrounding the Bowl, it is a beautiful view. Worth the pain and suffering to get there, god no, but it is scenic.
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The Rose Bowl Flea Market kicks A$$
Got there at 9am, parking was very easy with the attendants leading you to your spot, walked up got my admission ticket and there were no lines! If you are an antiques junkie walk to your left and you will have a moment of love at first sight...miles and miles of treasures! The newer things are to the right, next time I will skip this, but since it was my first time here, I wanted to check out every thing.
I will be here every second Sunday of the month!!!
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