Pasadena Council Approves $21.5 Million for Rose Bowl
The Pasadena City Council has approved a $21.5-million bond to help pay for an overhaul of the Rose Bowl.
The renovations will include installing theater-style seats, a new sound system and a new scoreboard for the 73-year-old facility.
Extra concession stands and restrooms will be added, which will reduce seating capacity from 100,000 to 90,000, said David Jacobs, Rose Bowl general manager.
Work on an elevator begins this month, and construction on the bulk of the renovations starts in late June and continues through early fall.
Backers of the project said the council vote Monday will prevent the stadium from becoming a museum and help secure its future as home to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy and UCLA football.
“What better way to protect ourselves than to invest in an asset we already have,” Councilwoman Ann-Marie Villicana said. “The Rose Bowl brings approximately $9 million in funding into our city per year.”
In June, the city will issue $21.5 million in certificates of participation.
After financing costs, $19 million will go toward renovations. The remainder of the $21.5 million needed will come from existing Rose Bowl and public golf course funds.
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