About the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California will host men's and women's soccer matches and football matches during the 2028 Olympics. It's one of the most iconic sports venues in America and a historic Olympic site (it hosted matches in 1984 as well).
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA
Getting There by Metro
The best way to get to the Rose Bowl is via the A Line (Gold Line) Pasadena extension, which terminates at Memorial Park Station in Pasadena, about 1 mile south of the Rose Bowl.
A Line to Rose Bowl: Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station, then take a shuttle bus or walk/rideshare 1.5–2 miles to the stadium.
Route from Downtown LA
| Starting Point |
Route |
Duration |
| Union Station |
A Line (Gold Line) northbound to Memorial Park Station, Pasadena |
~45 minutes |
| Downtown LA / Red Line |
Transfer to A Line at Junction, then go north to Memorial Park |
~50 minutes |
Olympic Shuttle Buses
LA Metro and the 2028 Olympic organizers will offer express shuttle buses from Memorial Park Station to the Rose Bowl during Olympic events. These are specifically designed to handle the massive crowds.
Expected Shuttle Details
- Free or included with Olympic entry ticket
- Run continuously during game days, every 5–10 minutes
- Journey time: 10–15 minutes from station to stadium
- Wheelchair-accessible buses available
- Service starts 2 hours before games, continues 1 hour after games end
Walking from Memorial Park
If you prefer to walk instead of taking a shuttle, it's approximately 1.5 miles from Memorial Park Station to the Rose Bowl. The route is:
- Mostly flat through Pasadena neighborhoods
- Well-lit and pedestrian-friendly
- Takes about 25–30 minutes at a normal pace
- Maps and signage will be available during the Olympics
Why Not Drive?
Parking for the Rose Bowl is extremely limited during major events.
- Limited Spaces: The stadium has parking for only a few thousand vehicles, but games attract 100,000+ fans
- Pasadena Traffic: Interstate 210 will be gridlocked on game days during the Olympics
- Long Return: You'll be stuck in traffic for 1–2 hours after games end
- Parking Costs: $20–$40 if you find a spot
- The A Line is 5x faster: 45 minutes from Downtown vs. 90+ minutes driving from anywhere nearby
Game Day Strategy
Timing Your Arrival
- Soccer matches typically start at 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM
- Plan to arrive at Memorial Park Station at least 60–90 minutes before kickoff
- This gives you time for the shuttle ride (15 min) + security screening (30 min) + exploring the stadium (15 min)
- Peak A Line traffic: 4:00–5:30 PM on game days. Travel earlier if possible.
Returning After the Game
- All 50,000+ fans will exit the stadium at the same time
- Allow 30–40 minutes to walk from stadium to shuttle pickup / Memorial Park Station
- Expect long waits at the station after games — bring a book or use your phone
- The return A Line service will run extended hours during the Olympics
A Line Service Details
Frequency
| Time Period |
Frequency |
| Peak Hours (Weekday) |
Every 5–6 minutes |
| Off-Peak / Weekend |
Every 10–15 minutes |
| Olympic Game Days (Extended) |
Every 4–5 minutes, extended hours |
Cost
- Single Ride: $1.75
- Day Pass: $7.50 (unlimited bus + rail)
- Recommended: Buy a day pass if you're making multiple trips to Pasadena in one day
Accessibility
- All A Line stations have full wheelchair accessibility with elevators
- Accessible seating available on all A Line trains
- Shuttle buses to the stadium are fully wheelchair-accessible
- Accessible parking available at the Rose Bowl for visitors with disabilities
- Call LA Metro at (323) 922-2000 for accessibility assistance
Pro Tips for Rose Bowl Events
- Download the LA Metro app to track A Line trains in real-time
- Get a TAP card before the game — don't rely on cash payment
- Bring sunscreen — Pasadena can be hot, and Memorial Park Station has limited shade
- Carry water and snacks — concession prices at the stadium are high
- The A Line is faster than driving even in light traffic
- Consider staying in Pasadena the night before major games
- Check LA Metro website before your trip for Olympic-specific service updates
Bottom Line: Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station (45 minutes from Downtown), ride the shuttle to the stadium, and enjoy the game without worrying about traffic or parking. It's reliable, affordable, and way faster than driving.