Heading out to the Rose Bowl from Miami. Is parking pretty easy around the stadium? Would appreciate any helpful hints. Also, does anyone know whether they sell beer at the game?

Attended a Rose Bowl several years back, so take this for what it is worth. Parking is on a golf course near the stadium and starts to fill up very early. The ingress/egress are through residential streets so don't show up 20 minutes prior to kick-off. Part of the fun is the good natured heckling that occurs during tailgate parties.

I do not remember beer sales.

Have fun! It is a great game at a great site.

We are going to the Rose Bowl this year and the local paper (Pasadena) says that they expect traffic problems and you should plan to be in the stadium by 3 PM even tho the pre game ceremonies don't start until 4:30 PM and the game at 5 PM. There usually is parking on the golf course unless it rains shortly before the game. Arrive early!!

I don't think the Rose Bowl sells alcohol per the request of the Pasadena residents who live there. It's not sold during Bruin games so lots of tailgating goes on in the "parking lot," i.e., golf course & grass area. Get there early, the lot fills up quickly w/ tailgaters.

The restroom situation at the Rose Bowl is very tedious, so even if beer were sold, you would do better not to drink it! You could miss a whole quarter while standing in line for a porta potty. You'll understand when you get there! Have fun and enjoy the game.

Yes I'd go if there were no beer...coming from Miami afterall. Just got an email from the Rose Bowl P.R. folks today who said yes there is beer sold at the game. Coming from Vegas so hopefully around 1pm will be early enough.

Bob, Keep in mind that the traffic from Las Vegas can be very heavy on January 1st, since New Year's Eve is the biggest night of the year in Las Vegas. Traffic can take you 7 hours to Pasadena on a typical Sunday afternoon, so be prepared for some other travelers on the road with you.

xxx, also keep in mind that the Rose Bowl is being played on Jan 3 this year.

Bob - Parking is a mess near the stadium and may cost you up to $100 per car in private yards. I would suggest looking into park and ride through public transportation or your hotel. It will take you in comfort within a quarter mile of the stadium and be worry free in traffic... trust me on this one... been there, done that...

Why is the Rose Bowl being played on January 3rd this year? What went wrong with tradition? Does it make any sense to play the biggest bowl of the year on a work day?

The Rose Bowl is hosting the college championship game this year and that game takes place on Jan 3. This will be the first time in the history of the Rose Bowl (since 1923) that the post-season game there has not been played on Jan 1. And let's not even get into how much of a championship it actually is!

Okay Babs, let's NOT get into that argument. Keep it to travel sweetie.