Pasadena Settles for 2nd Billing in Cup Sign Battle

Pasadena officials, upset this week because “Los Angeles” was affixed to a World Cup sign in front of the Rose Bowl with no mention of Pasadena, said Thursday they had reached a settlement with event organizers.

A second sign, which will recognize Pasadena, is being designed and should be in place before the first of eight soccer games at the stadium kicks off Saturday, said Pasadena spokeswoman Ann Erdman.

Pasadena officials were furious earlier this week after they found out that Los Angeles was getting top billing at Pasadena’s stadium. They began investigating whether they had legal recourse to have the letters removed.

World Cup officials rejected Pasadena’s plea to remove the offending letter, noting that Los Angeles is recognized as the official venue of the games--even though they are at the Rose Bowl.

City and World Cup officials reached a tentative agreement after a meeting Wednesday, but tournament officials must still approve the final design and placement of the sign, Erdman said. “It’s definitely being fast-tracked all the way around,” he said.