Rose Bowl Stadium was constructed in 1922. Groundbreaking occurred on February 27, 1922, with completion by October 1922, leading to its official opening for the first Rose Bowl game on January 1, 1923. Designed by architect Myron Hunt, inspired by Yale Bowl, it started as a horseshoe shape before becoming a full bowl in 1928.

Key Construction Timeline

  • Design Phase : Finalized in 1921 by Myron Hunt.
  • Broke Ground : February 27, 1922.
  • Built Period : February to October 1922, costing $272,198 (about $5.11 million in 2024 dollars).
  • Opened : October 28, 1922 (initial event); first Rose Bowl game January 1, 1923.

Historical Context

The stadium in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco arose from the need for a permanent home for the Tournament of Roses football game, previously held in smaller venues. By 2025, it marked 103 years, hosting Super Bowls, Olympics, and concerts as a National Historic Landmark.

Fun Legacy Facts

  • Original capacity: 57,000, expanded to over 90,000.
  • Features board-formed concrete tunnels from 1920s still visible.
  • Renowned as "Granddaddy of Them All" for college football.

TL;DR : Built 1922, opened 1923 for Rose Bowl game. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.