First Time Rose Bowl Game Goers- Parking Questions !!

Question

First time attending the rose bowl game and looking for the best place to park for the game. We have a car rental and are traveling from Santa Monica.

Any recommendations for best place to park? Trying to avoid wasting time sitting in traffic before/after game.

- We are not attending the rose bowl parade, only the game

- Willing to park farther away and walk (within reason) or uber to stadium... Heard Old Town Pasadena might be a good place to park then walk to stadium??

- We understand that parking is not free anywhere

- Tailgating is not an issue (will carry our drinks with us if walking or ubering)

- Willing to take public transit if available (do any subways or buses travel from Santa Monica to Pasadena??)

Thank you in advance!!

Edited: 2 years ago

Answer

Attending the Rose Bowl game for the first time can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to parking and navigating traffic. Here is a detailed guide based on past attendee experiences and local knowledge:

Driving from Santa Monica

The drive from Santa Monica to Pasadena typically takes 45-75 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect longer travel times on game day due to increased congestion around the stadium.
Plan to leave several hours before kickoff to allow for parking and walking or shuttle transfers.

Parking Options

Rose Bowl Stadium Lots: Official stadium parking is available but fills quickly. These lots are closer to the stadium but can be expensive and congested.
Old Town Pasadena: Many visitors park in public or private lots in Old Town and walk or Uber to the stadium. This can be a convenient option if you prefer to avoid stadium lot traffic.
Farther Away Lots: Consider parking a mile or two away and walking, or using rideshare services from a designated pickup/drop-off area. Some neighborhoods offer private parking for a fee, but check restrictions to avoid tickets.
Tailgating Considerations: Since you don’t plan to tailgate, walking a bit farther or using rideshare services works well.

Public Transit Options

Metro does not have a direct subway from Santa Monica to Pasadena. You could take the Metro Expo Line to downtown Los Angeles, then transfer to the Gold Line (now called the L Line) to Pasadena.
Alternatively, regional buses may provide service, but travel times can be long and schedules are limited on game days.
Using Metro or other public transit can avoid parking hassles, but plan carefully for return trips after the game as trains and buses get crowded.

Tips to Avoid Traffic

Arrive early to secure parking and beat the post-game traffic surge.
Consider using a rideshare for the return trip if you park farther away, to avoid sitting in traffic leaving the stadium area.
Check for reserved or pre-paid parking options online, which may save time and reduce stress on game day.
Use apps to monitor traffic and plan the quickest route from Santa Monica to Pasadena, as multiple routes are available depending on congestion.

Overall, for first-time Rose Bowl game goers, parking in Old Town Pasadena and walking or Ubering to the stadium is often recommended. It provides a balance between convenience and avoiding the worst stadium lot traffic, especially if you are not interested in tailgating. Public transit is possible but less practical from Santa Monica directly.

First Time Rose Bowl Game Goers- Parking Questions !!

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