By Eric Engelbert

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Rose Bowl History

The Rose Bowl, a symbolic event in American college football, is poised to unfold its 2023 chapter with an electrifying clash between two football powerhouses – Alabama and Michigan. Let's embark on a journey through the annals of Rose Bowl history, tracing its roots to the inaugural game in 1902.

Rose Bowl Tradition: A Brief Retrospective

The Rose Bowl, hosted in Pasadena, California, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of college football. Originating as the "Tournament East–West football game," the Rose Bowl evolved into an annual New Year's Day spectacle in 1916.Since its inception, the game has been an annual spectacle on New Year's Day, drawing football enthusiasts from across the nation to witness the pinnacle of athletic prowess and sportsmanship.

The Coveted Prize: The Field Scovell Trophy

For the triumphant team in the Rose Bowl, victory isn't just a title; it's the honor of hoisting the Field Scovell Trophy. This coveted prize, named after the Tournament of Roses founder, adds an extra layer of prestige to the celebration, becoming a tangible symbol of the team's triumph on the grand stage.

The Rose Parade: Paving the Way for Festivities

No exploration of the Rose Bowl is complete without paying homage to the Rose Parade. Originating in 1890, this grand procession is a vibrant precursor to the football action. Elaborate floats, majestic marching bands, and equestrian displays transform the streets of Pasadena into a floral fantasy, setting the stage for the gridiron drama that follows.

Pasadena: The Enchanting Host City

New Year's Day in Pasadena: A Festive Affair

Pasadena, with its charming streets and picturesque surroundings, transforms into a hub of excitement on New Year's Day. The city resonates with the energy of football fans and parade enthusiasts, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

The Rose Bowl Stadium: Hallowed Ground for Football Fervor

The Rose Bowl Stadium, a historic venue in Pasadena, has been witness to countless moments of gridiron glory. Hosting the game since 1923, this iconic stadium provides a fitting backdrop for the intense matchups and memorable plays that define the Rose Bowl experience.

Best Sports Bars in Pasadena to Catch the Action

Cheering on Your Team: Pasadena's Premier Sports Bars For those unable to secure tickets to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena offers a vibrant array of sports bars where fans can revel in the game-day excitement. Here are some top picks for experiencing the thrill of the Rose Bowl in the company of fellow enthusiasts:

1. Lucky Baldwin's Pub: 17 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

2. Freddie's 35er Bar: 12 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

3. Congregation Brewery: 61 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

4. Kings Row Gastropub: 20 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

5. Der Wolf: 72 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

6. Dog Haus Biergarten: 93 E. Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105

Other Exciting Bowl Games Around the Nation

Celebrating College Football Across the Country

As the Rose Bowl takes center stage, college football enthusiasts can also revel in the excitement of other bowl games across the nation. Here's a glimpse of some notable matchups and their locations:

December 29, 2023: Cotton Bowl

  • Teams: Ohio State vs. University of Missouri
  • Location: Dallas, Texas
  • Time: 8:00 PM

December 30, 2023: Peach Bowl

  • Teams: No. 10 Penn St. vs. No. 11 Ole Miss
  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Time: 12:00 PM

December 30, 2023: Music City Bowl

  • Teams: Auburn vs. Maryland
  • Location: Nashville, Tennessee
  • Time: 2:00 PM

December 30, 2023: Orange Bowl

  • Teams: No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 6 Georgia
  • Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
  • Time: 4:00 PM

December 30, 2023: Arizona Bowl

  • Teams: Wyoming vs. Toledo
  • Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • Time: 4:30 PM

January 1, 2024: ReliaQuest Bowl

  • Teams: No. 13 LSU vs. Wisconsin
  • Location: Tampa, Florida
  • Time: 12:00 PM

January 1, 2024: Citrus Bowl

  • Teams: No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 21 Tennessee
  • Location: Orlando, Florida
  • Time: 1:00 PM

January 1, 2024: Fiesta Bowl

  • Teams: No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 23 Liberty
  • Location: Glendale, Arizona
  • Time: 1:00 PM

January 1, 2024: CFP Semifinal at the Sugar Bowl

  • Teams: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Time: 8:45 PM

A Feast of Football Extravaganza As we bask in the glory of the Rose Bowl and the myriad other bowl games, let the spirit of competition and camaraderie unite football fans across the nation. Whether you're in Pasadena, Dallas, Atlanta, or any other city hosting these exhilarating matchups, the 2023 college football bowl season promises a feast of gridiron extravaganza.

Here's a complete list of scores from the College Football Playoff since its first season in 2014:

2014 season

  • Rose Bowl: No. 2 Oregon 59, No. 3 Florida State 20
  • Sugar Bowl: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 1 Alabama 35
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20

2015 season

  • Orange Bowl: No. 1 Clemson 37, No. 4 Oklahoma 17
  • Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Alabama 38, No. 3 Michigan State 0
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40

2016 season

  • Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Clemson 31, No. 3 Ohio State 0
  • Peach Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 24, No. 4 Washington 7
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31

2017 season

  • Rose Bowl: No. 3 Georgia 54, No. 2 Oklahoma 48 (2OT)
  • Sugar Bowl: No. 4 Alabama 24, No. 1 Clemson 6
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (OT)

2018 season

  • Orange Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 45, No. 4 Oklahoma 34
  • Cotton Bowl: No. 2 Clemson 30, No. 3 Notre Dame 3
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 2 Clemson 44, No. 1 Alabama 16

2019 season

  • Peach Bowl: No. 1 LSU 63, No. 4 Oklahoma 28
  • Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Clemson 29, No. 2 Ohio State 23
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25

2020 season

  • Rose Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 31, No. 4 Notre Dame 14
  • Sugar Bowl: No. 3 Ohio State 49, No. 2 Clemson 28
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24

2021 season

  • Cotton Bowl: No. 1 Alabama 27, No. 4 Cincinnati 6
  • Orange Bowl: No. 3 Georgia 34, No. 2 Michigan 11
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18

2022 season

  • Peach Bowl: No. 1 Georgia 42, No. 4 Ohio State 41
  • Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 TCU 51, No. 2 Michigan 45
  • CFP National Championship Game: No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7

2023 season

  • Rose Bowl: No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Alabama
  • Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Washington vs. No. 3 Texas
  • CFP National Championship Game: Winner of Rose Bowl vs. winner of Sugar Bowl

Here's a look at some of the upcoming CFP title game locations and dates:

2023 season (Jan. 8, 2024): Houston, Texas

2024 season (Jan. 6, 2025)

2025 season (Jan. 5, 2026)