Writing this while flying back from the game.
Our seats were at the 35 behind the IU bench. IU fans were numerous (to me it looked like several thousand, really a great turnout!), loud and engaged from the opening kick. Someone on the board had mentioned something new for UCLA this season, with students (“The Den”) lined up behind the visitors’ bench to create an intimidation factor. There was no intimidation factor. They stand at least 50 feet behind the bench, there’s a hedge in between, and whatever noise they were making was easily drowned out by the loud IU fans singing the fight song, celebrating first downs and otherwise cheering.
UCLA fans are mostly friendly and chill. The Rose Bowl staff was extremely courteous and helpful, and our group got a smile and a “welcome to the Rose Bowl” as we entered.
Concessions are numerous and varied and are located in an open-air setting in the oval surrounding the seating area, not in some narrow, dank concourse.
The stadium is in a beautiful natural setting with large trees rising above the east stands and the San Gabriel Mountains visible from many sections. Really spectacular sky as the sun was setting, despite quite a bit of haze yesterday.
We walked the 1.8 miles back to our hotel after the game. Half an hour later we headed out for dinner and some other stops including a very crowded Kings Row. Pasadena has a great vibe, is a rarity in LA County in that it is very walkable, and the streets were filled with happy Hoosier fans. Hated to leave but much more good football to look forward to this season!
Go Hoosiers!
Our seats were at the 35 behind the IU bench. IU fans were numerous (to me it looked like several thousand, really a great turnout!), loud and engaged from the opening kick. Someone on the board had mentioned something new for UCLA this season, with students (“The Den”) lined up behind the visitors’ bench to create an intimidation factor. There was no intimidation factor. They stand at least 50 feet behind the bench, there’s a hedge in between, and whatever noise they were making was easily drowned out by the loud IU fans singing the fight song, celebrating first downs and otherwise cheering.
UCLA fans are mostly friendly and chill. The Rose Bowl staff was extremely courteous and helpful, and our group got a smile and a “welcome to the Rose Bowl” as we entered.
Concessions are numerous and varied and are located in an open-air setting in the oval surrounding the seating area, not in some narrow, dank concourse.
The stadium is in a beautiful natural setting with large trees rising above the east stands and the San Gabriel Mountains visible from many sections. Really spectacular sky as the sun was setting, despite quite a bit of haze yesterday.
We walked the 1.8 miles back to our hotel after the game. Half an hour later we headed out for dinner and some other stops including a very crowded Kings Row. Pasadena has a great vibe, is a rarity in LA County in that it is very walkable, and the streets were filled with happy Hoosier fans. Hated to leave but much more good football to look forward to this season!
Go Hoosiers!
