Rose Bowl Stadium Parking Information

Pricing

Regular$45 - $60

Premium$80 - $120

VIP$300+

Features

Tailgating Permitted (Lots H
1-4
6
8-10)
ADA Accessible Parking
Shuttle Service (Parsons Lot)
Stack Parking System
RV & Limousine Parking
Paved & Grass Lots

Parking at the Rose Bowl Stadium is primarily available in Lots B, D, F, H, and K, located on the Brookside Golf Course and surrounding paved areas. Due to the stadium's location in a residential neighborhood (Arroyo Seco), parking is limited and often stack-parked in rows of five. For major events like the Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Football, spots fill up quickly, and purchasing passes in advance is highly recommended. The venue also operates a popular Park & Ride shuttle service from the Parsons complex in Old Pasadena.

Rose Bowl Stadium Location

Address

1001 Rose Bowl Dr
Pasadena, CA 91103

Nearby

Brookside Golf Club (0.1 mi)
Kidspace Children's Museum (0.3 mi)
Old Pasadena (2.5 mi)
Norton Simon Museum (2.3 mi)
Parsons Engineering Complex (2.4 mi)

Accessibility

Designated ADA Parking in Lots B
D
F
Accessible Shuttle Service from Parsons
Paved pathways to stadium gates
ADA drop-off zones available

Rose Bowl Parking Guide: Tips, Prices & Best Lots [2025]

Let’s be real for a second—parking at the Rose Bowl can be an absolute nightmare if you go in blind. You’ve got 90,000 people trying to squeeze into a residential neighborhood in Pasadena, and honestly, the traffic jams are legendary. Whether you’re heading there for the Granddaddy of Them All, a massive concert, or just hunting for vintage denim at the Flea Market, having a game plan is the difference between tailgating with a cold drink and staring at taillights for two hours.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—official lots, secret exit strategies, and how to avoid the rookie mistake of getting trapped on the golf course until midnight.

Official Parking Options

The Rose Bowl uses a color-coded and lot-numbered system that sprawls across the Brookside Golf Course. It’s huge, so knowing where you’re going is half the battle.

The Main Lots

General Parking (Lots H, 1-4, 6, 8-10): This is where most people end up. These are largely grass lots on the golf course.
Preferred Parking (Lot F): Paved and closer to the stadium. It’s pricier & usually sold out to season ticket holders or VIPs early.
RV Parking: Located on West Drive. You need to book this way in advance if you plan on bringing the beast.

Current Parking Prices (2025 Estimates)

Prices fluctuate wildy depending on the event, so here is what you can expect to pay:

UCLA Football: ~$38 in advance / ~$44 day-of (Card only, no cash).
Rose Bowl Game: steep! Expect ~$60+ in advance & up to $70-$80 on game day.
Concerts (e.g., Oasis, Coldplay): usually ~$64 in advance / $75 at the lot.
Flea Market: Standard parking is often free (yes, really!), but "Preferred" parking close to the entrance runs about $20. VIP admission (early entry 5:00 AM - 9:00 AM) is separate from parking but costs ~$20.
Club World Cup: Expect major event pricing, likely starting around $50-$60.

How to Book: Always buy your pass online before you leave through ParkWhiz or the specific event’s ticketing page. Day-of prices are always higher, & they only take cards—no cash at the gate.

Arrival Strategy: Beating the Traffic

Here’s the thing: The Rose Bowl is in a canyon (Arroyo Seco). There are very few roads in & out.

Optimal Arrival Time: Aim to arrive at least 4 hours before kickoff for football games if you want to tailgate. For concerts, get there 2 hours before doors open. If you arrive less than 90 minutes before an event, you will miss the start stuck in traffic.
The "North vs. South" Approach:
- From I-210 (North/West): You’ll be funneled toward the golf course lots (North side). Good for tailgating, bad for leaving.
- From CA-134/I-110 (South): Try to enter via Arroyo Blvd or Linda Vista. The south lots are sometimes easier to exit because you aren't fighting the I-210 merge immediately.

Red Flag: Avoid the temptation to drive down "just to see" if there's street parking nearby. The surrounding neighborhoods (Linda Vista, Prospect Park) are locked down with checkpoints. You won't get through without a resident pass.

Alternative Parking Options

If dropping $75 to park on grass sounds painful, you have other options.

1. Parsons Parking & Shuttle (The Local Favorite)

This is the smartest move for many. You park at the Parsons Engineering Complex in Old Town Pasadena (100 W Walnut St).

Cost: ~$25-$45 depending on the event (sometimes included in shuttle passes).
The Shuttle: It takes you straight to the stadium gates. For UCLA games, the shuttle is often free. For the Rose Bowl Game & concerts, you might pay a small fee.
Why do it: You avoid the stadium traffic jam entirely & are steps away from bars/restaurants in Old Town for a post-game meal.

2. Private Driveways & Garages

Since street parking is virtually non-existent for non-residents, look for private spaces.

Prked: You can check Prked to see if any locals are renting out their driveways. It’s a solid alternative if you want a guaranteed spot that might be an easier walk or exit than the main stadium lots.
Old Town Structures: Park in a public garage in Old Town Pasadena (usually $12-$15 daily max) and walk or shuttle in.

3. Street Parking

Don't count on it near the stadium. However, you can sometimes find metered or free parking east of Old Town (past Los Robles Ave) if you are willing to walk 2+ miles or bring a bike.

Transportation Alternatives

Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line): Take the train to Memorial Park Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Parsons Shuttle lot. This is by far the cheapest & least stressful way to get there.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- The Drop-off: For most events, the drop-off is at Lot I (Northeast corner).
- The Catch: Leaving via rideshare is chaotic. Surge pricing is insane & wait times can hit 60+ minutes.
- Pro Tip: Don't call your Uber from the stadium. Walk 20-30 minutes up the hill into Pasadena residential areas or Old Town, then call your ride. You’ll save $40 and an hour of waiting.

Money-Saving Tips

Carpool: It sounds obvious, but splitting that $75 parking fee 4 ways makes it digestible.
Free Parking for Flea Market: If you don't mind walking, the general lots for the Flea Market are free. Just follow the signs for "General Parking" & ignore the guys waving you into the $20 VIP spots unless you're in a huge rush.
UCLA Games: The Parsons shuttle is usually free for UCLA home games. Park in a cheap public garage in Old Town ($10-$12) and take the free shuttle. That beats $44 stadium parking any day.

Accessibility Information

ADA Lots: Accessible parking is available in Lots B, D, & F.
The Rule: It is strictly first-come, first-served. Even with a placard, if you arrive late & the ADA spots are full, you will be directed to general parking on the grass (which is bumpy & difficult for wheelchairs).
Drop-off: There is a designated ADA drop-off zone near Lot I / Gate B.

Insider Tips from Locals

The "Golf Course Trap": If you park deep in the golf course lots (General Parking), do not expect to leave quickly. It can take 90 minutes just to exit the lot after a sold-out show. Bring a cooler with snacks for after the game and just hang out while the traffic clears.
Landmarks: The parking lots look identical in the dark. Pin your car's location on your phone maps. Seriously. "Near the tree" works in daylight, not at midnight.
The Secret Exit: If you are parked in the north lots, try to exit toward Seco Street away from the stadium to catch the I-210 West on-ramp, which is often slightly less clogged than the I-210 East ramp.
Tailgating: You are only allowed to tailgate in front of or behind your vehicle (no taking up extra spots). Alcohol rules are strict—technically no drinking after kickoff, even in the lots.

Conclusion

The Rose Bowl is an iconic venue, but it requires respect. If you want the full tailgate experience, pony up the $60+, arrive 4 hours early, and park on the golf course. If you want to save money and stress, park in Old Town Pasadena and take the shuttle.

Plan ahead, download your parking pass before you lose signal in the canyon, & enjoy the event!

Rose Bowl Stadium Parking FAQ

What are the current parking rates for Rose Bowl events?

Parking costs at the Rose Bowl vary significantly by event type, but you should generally expect to pay premium prices for major games & concerts. For the 2025 Rose Bowl Game, advance general parking was priced at $59 plus fees, while day-of parking at the stadium lots increased to $70. For the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, pre-sale parking is set around $49, jumping to $60 if purchased on arrival. Oversized vehicles & limos often face fees upwards of $150. It is highly recommended to purchase your parking pass online in advance, as this not only secures your spot in General Parking lots (like Lots H, 1-4, 6, 8-10) but often saves you $10-$15 compared to the drive-up rate. Keep in mind that prices for minor events, like UCLA football games or music festivals, may differ slightly, but the $50-$60 range is a safe budget baseline for most major stadium events.

Is there any free parking available near the Rose Bowl Stadium?

Finding truly free parking within walking distance of the Rose Bowl is incredibly difficult & generally not recommended for major events. The residential neighborhoods surrounding the Arroyo Seco & the stadium have strict "No Parking" zones enforced during game days & concerts to protect locals from congestion. Violators are aggressively towed & fined. While some adventurous visitors try to park in the distant residential hills & hike down, it involves a long, steep walk & the risk of a ticket. The most reliable "free" option is actually to pay for a cheaper garage spot in Old Town Pasadena & take the free shuttle, or to park at a Metro station (like Sierra Madre Villa) & take the train to the shuttle stop. However, strictly speaking, there are no official free lots at the stadium itself for events.

Is there a shuttle service available to get to the Rose Bowl?

Yes, there is a very popular & efficient shuttle service that runs from Old Town Pasadena to the Rose Bowl. The shuttle departs from the Parsons Engineering complex parking lot, located at 100 West Walnut Street (off Fair Oaks Avenue). For most major events, including the Rose Bowl Game & large concerts, the shuttle ride itself is often free, though you may have to pay to park your car at the Parsons lot (typically $40-$65 depending on the event demand). The shuttle drops you off right near the stadium gates, saving you the headache of navigating the golf course traffic. Shuttles usually start running 3-4 hours before the event & continue for about 90 minutes after it ends. It is widely considered the best way to get to the venue if you want to avoid the post-game traffic bottleneck.

What do Reddit users say about Rose Bowl parking prices & tips?

Reddit threads on r/RoseBowl & r/Pasadena consistently describe the stadium parking situation as a "nightmare" due to the infamous "stack parking" on the golf course. Users frequently complain that while the $50+ cost is high, the real cost is the time lost leaving the venue—often 1-2 hours of sitting in gridlock. The overwhelming consensus on Reddit is to avoid parking at the stadium entirely unless you plan to tailgate for hours before & after the game. Instead, locals & experienced fans recommend parking in Old Town Pasadena structures (often cheaper than the stadium lots) & taking the Parsons shuttle. Another popular Reddit tip is to park near the Memorial Park Metro station & walk the ~1.5 miles down into the Arroyo if you are fit, as it guarantees a quick exit relative to driving out of the grass lots.

What is the best way to avoid traffic when driving to the Rose Bowl?

To truly avoid the legendary Rose Bowl traffic, you have two main strategies: arrive incredibly early or park remotely. If you must drive to the stadium, aim to arrive at least 4 hours before kickoff. This allows you to park closer to the exits & before the main rush begins. When leaving, however, you will almost certainly face delays due to stack parking (where cars are blocked in by others). The best way to avoid this specific "lot traffic" is to use the Parsons Shuttle from Old Town Pasadena. By parking at the Parsons lot (100 W. Walnut St.) or a nearby garage, you avoid the single-road bottleneck in & out of the Arroyo Seco. Another trick is to park "nose out" if directed to a spot where you have control, though attendants usually dictate strict positioning.

Do you have to pay for parking at the Rose Bowl Flea Market?

Surprisingly, for the famous Rose Bowl Flea Market held on the second Sunday of every month, general parking is typically free! Visitors can park in the general lots around the stadium without a fee, which is a rare perk for such a major venue. However, if you want convenience, there is "Preferred" or VIP parking available for a fee, usually ranging from $10 to $20 depending on proximity to the entrance. This paid parking is located much closer to the gates, which can be a huge benefit if you plan on buying heavy furniture or carrying multiple bags. For the average shopper just browsing, the free general parking is ample, though you should be prepared for a bit of a walk to the ticket booths.

How much will parking cost at the Rose Bowl for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

For the FIFA Club World Cup matches in June 2025, parking pricing is following a tiered structure similar to other major international events. Current information indicates that pre-sale General Parking (Lots 1-10) is priced around $49 per vehicle. If you wait to purchase parking on match day at the venue, the price increases to approximately $60. Oversized vehicles & RVs will see significantly higher rates, likely around $154. Because this is a high-profile FIFA event, demand will be extreme, & lots are expected to fill quickly. It is strongly advised to buy your parking pass online through the official venue or FIFA ticketing portal as soon as you have your match tickets. Additionally, the free shuttle from Parsons in Old Pasadena will be running for these matches.

Is parking at the Rose Bowl cash only or can I use a card?

The Rose Bowl has transitioned to a largely cashless operation for parking & concessions. You should definitely plan to pay with a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment option like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Most parking attendants at the stadium lots are equipped with handheld card readers. While you might occasionally find a private homeowner nearby selling driveway spots for cash, the official stadium lots (Lots H, K, F, etc.) require electronic payment. Pre-purchasing your parking pass online is the safest & most efficient method, as it allows you to simply scan a barcode on your phone upon entry, speeding up the line for everyone. Do not rely on cash for official stadium entry.

How early should I arrive at the Rose Bowl for parking?

You should aim to arrive significantly earlier than you think is necessary—ideally 4 to 5 hours before the event starts. The Rose Bowl is located in a residential valley with limited access roads, creating massive bottlenecks as game time approaches. For the Rose Bowl Game, parking lots typically open as early as 4:00 AM, & dedicated tailgaters arrive immediately. If you arrive less than 2 hours before kickoff, you risk missing the start of the event while sitting in traffic on Seco Street or Rosemont Avenue. Arriving early not only secures you a better parking spot but also gives you time to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere, visit the FanFest, or simply relax without the stress of potential gridlock.

What are the specific parking rates for the Rose Bowl Flea Market?

For the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the parking fee structure is quite different from sporting events. General parking in the standard lots is typically free for all shoppers. This is one of the reasons the market is so popular. However, for those who want to minimize walking, VIP / Preferred Parking is available specifically in Lot F & Lot K (closer to the main entrance) for a fee of usually $10 to $20 depending on the specific date & demand. Handicapped parking is also available & is generally free with a valid placard, though availability is first-come, first-served. Keep in mind that while parking is often free, admission tickets to enter the Flea Market itself range from $12 to $20 depending on how early you enter (Early Bird vs. Regular admission).

How much does general parking cost at the Rose Bowl Stadium?

For most standard major events like UCLA football games, international soccer matches, or large concerts, general parking typically costs between $45 & $60 per vehicle. The exact price often depends on whether you purchase in advance (cheaper) or on the day of the event (more expensive). For example, pre-purchased passes might be $50, while the gate price could be $60 or higher. Parking is situated on the Brookside Golf Course & surrounding paved lots. It is important to note that these prices are for standard passenger vehicles; RVs, limos, & buses have their own pricing structures, often exceeding $150. Always check the specific event page on the Rose Bowl website, as dynamic pricing can apply to high-demand events.

Where is the absolute best place to park for a Rose Bowl game?

If your priority is a quick exit & avoiding stress, the "best" place to park is NOT at the stadium, but at the Parsons Engineering Lot in Old Town Pasadena. From there, you take the dedicated shuttle to the stadium. This avoids the gridlock of the golf course lots entirely. However, if you are determined to tailgate & park at the stadium, Lot H is often cited by fans as a solid choice because it is paved & offers a slightly easier exit route than the deep grass lots on the golf course. That said, Lot H is premium & sells out fast. For the average visitor, the Parsons Lot + Shuttle combo is widely considered the smartest move to save time & sanity.

Are there multiple shuttle options for getting to the Rose Bowl?

The primary & most official shuttle option is the Parsons Engineering Complex shuttle (100 W Walnut St). This is the main hub for transporting thousands of fans to & from the stadium. However, there are occasionally other localized options depending on the specific event. For example, some local hotels may offer private shuttles for their guests. Additionally, ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) have a designated drop-off/pick-up zone, usually near Lot H, though this isn't a "shuttle" in the traditional sense. For the Rose Parade & Game, sometimes Metro runs connecting services, but they all funnel toward the Parsons hub or the stadium drop-off points. Stick to the Parsons shuttle for the most reliable, frequent, & officially supported service.

Is there free street parking available in Pasadena for Rose Bowl events?

Free street parking in Pasadena is extremely scarce during Rose Bowl events & is generally a risky strategy. The city enforces a strict overnight parking ban (2:00 AM to 6:00 AM) unless you have a permit, so you cannot leave your car on the street if you plan to stay late or party. Furthermore, during major events, the neighborhoods closest to the Rose Bowl (Arroyo Seco area) implement temporary parking restriction zones where only residents with permits can park. Signs are posted clearly, & towing is aggressive. While you might find a metered spot in Old Town that becomes free after 8:00 PM, relying on it for a daytime game is difficult due to time limits. It is much safer to use a paid garage or the designated stadium lots.

Why is Rose Bowl parking so expensive & are there cheaper options?

Rose Bowl parking is expensive due to the unique logistics of the venue; it is located in a residential valley with limited access, requiring massive staffing, traffic control, & land use fees for parking on the golf course. The high demand for events like the Rose Bowl Game allows operators to charge premium rates. The cheapest reliable option is usually to park in a public parking structure in Old Town Pasadena (which might cost $15-$25 for the day) & take the shuttle (often free or low cost). This is significantly cheaper than the $60+ stadium lots. Another option is carpooling to split the high stadium parking fee among 4-5 friends, effectively bringing the per-person cost down to a reasonable level.

What is the total parking capacity at the Rose Bowl Stadium?

The Rose Bowl Stadium has a massive parking capacity, accommodating approximately 20,000 to 25,000 vehicles depending on the configuration of the golf course. The parking areas include paved lots (like Lot F, Lot K, Lot H) & vast sections of the Brookside Golf Course which are converted into grass parking for game days. Despite this large capacity, the lots can & do sell out for major events like the Rose Bowl Game or international soccer matches. The "stack parking" method (parking cars bumper-to-bumper in long rows) is used to maximize this capacity, which is why exiting can take so long. Because capacity is finite, pre-purchasing a pass is the only way to guarantee you have a spot inside the Arroyo.

What is the best transportation method to get to the Rose Bowl?

The widely agreed-upon "best" method by locals & frequent visitors is the "Park & Ride" strategy using the Parsons Shuttle. Drive to Old Town Pasadena, park in a secure garage (or the Parsons lot itself), & hop on the shuttle. This method bypasses the single-lane traffic jams that clog the roads leading into the valley. Alternatively, taking the Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) to the Memorial Park Station is excellent; from there, it is a short walk to the Parsons shuttle pick-up point. This allows you to avoid driving in Pasadena traffic entirely. Ride-share is an option, but surge pricing & difficult pick-up logistics after the game make it less attractive than the shuttle or Metro combination.

What are the official parking prices for the Rose Bowl Stadium lots?

Official parking prices for 2024-2025 events generally fall into three tiers. General Parking (Golf Course & outlying lots) is ~$50-$60. Preferred Parking (Paved lots closer to the stadium like Lot H or Lot 1) is significantly higher, often $80-$100+ & usually requires advance purchase. Oversized vehicles (Limos, RVs, Buses) have a separate rate structure, typically starting at $150 & going up to $300+ for RVs depending on the event. It is crucial to remember that these are "Official" prices & can fluctuate based on "dynamic pricing" for high-demand concerts. Always verify the specific price on the Ticketmaster or Rose Bowl website for your specific event date.

Is street parking free in Pasadena during Rose Bowl events?

Street parking in Pasadena is rarely free during the day & is heavily regulated. Most commercial districts like Old Town have metered parking that requires payment (often up to $2/hour) with time limits enforced. In residential areas, especially those near the shuttle route or the stadium, temporary "No Parking" signs are often posted for event days. The city's overnight parking ban (2 AM - 6 AM) is a critical rule to remember; if you leave your car on the street past 2 AM without an exemption permit, you will be ticketed. While you might find free street parking on a Sunday in some commercial zones, it is risky for a long event. Paid structures are the safer bet to avoid a $50+ ticket.

How much does it cost to park in downtown Pasadena near the shuttle?

Parking in downtown Pasadena (Old Town) is generally much more affordable than at the stadium. The Parsons Engineering Lot itself charges a flat rate for event parking, often around $40-$65 depending on the event magnitude (e.g., higher for Rose Bowl Game, lower for smaller concerts). However, there are several city-owned public parking structures nearby (like the Schoolhouse Garage or De Lacey Garage) where daily maximum rates can be as low as $12-$15. If you park in one of these city garages, you can then walk a few blocks to the Parsons lot to catch the shuttle. This "hack" can save you $30-$40 compared to stadium parking, making it the most budget-friendly option for savvy visitors.

Rose Bowl Stadium Local Area

The stadium is situated in the Arroyo Seco, a scenic canyon park that offers hiking and recreation. Just a few miles away lies Old Pasadena, a historic district bustling with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Many visitors choose to park near Old Pasadena and take the shuttle to enjoy pre-game dining.

Rose Bowl Stadium Parking