The city of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Operating Company (RBOC) have intensified their legal dispute with UCLA by filing for a temporary restraining order. The motion, submitted on Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, aims to prevent UCLA from moving its home football games to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The plaintiffs argue that UCLA’s potential move breaches a lease agreement that binds the university to the Rose Bowl until 2044.
The city and the RBOC claim that UCLA has been negotiating a move to SoFi Stadium since March, discussing seating arrangements and revenue splits. They assert that UCLA’s departure would cause “immediate and irreparable harm” to Pasadena, which relies heavily on the university’s tenancy for economic stability and community identity. The Rose Bowl, a public asset, still carries nearly $184 million in bond debt, which Pasadena fears could impact its finances if UCLA leaves.
According to Sportico, the plaintiffs cite historical cases, such as City of New York v. New York Jets, to support their request for a restraining order. These cases emphasize the unique harm caused by losing a major tenant, which monetary damages cannot remedy. Pasadena’s filing states, “There is no substitute for UCLA. Period.”
UCLA, which has played at the Rose Bowl since 1982, has not yet made a final decision regarding the move. The university’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, Mary Osako, stated that UCLA is still evaluating its long-term plans for home games. However, the plaintiffs argue that UCLA has confirmed its imminent departure, jeopardizing the stadium’s operations and community ties.
A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for Wednesday. If granted, UCLA would be temporarily barred from finalizing any agreement with SoFi Stadium. If denied, UCLA’s path to relocation could proceed, potentially impacting the university’s future home games, including the 2025 finale against Washington on November 22.
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