The Official 2026 Rose Bowl Game Kickoff Time: Everything You Need To Know About The CFP Quarterfinal Schedule
The official kickoff time for the 2026 Rose Bowl Game is set for 1:00 PM Pacific Time (PT) on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This critical New Year's Day matchup, which serves as a College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinal, will begin at 4:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) for viewers across the rest of the United States. The early start time is a significant change from the game’s traditional 2:00 PM PT kickoff, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the expanded CFP schedule and ensure seamless viewing of all major bowl games.
The 2026 Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential is not just another bowl game; it is a high-stakes, win-or-go-home contest in the new 12-team College Football Playoff format. Fans planning to attend in Pasadena, California, or watch on ESPN, should mark their calendars for this specific time to ensure they don't miss a moment of "The Granddaddy of Them All," which will feature a battle between two of the nation's top programs.
2026 Rose Bowl Game Schedule and Matchup Details
The Rose Bowl Game maintains its status as the centerpiece of New Year's Day football, even with its new role in the College Football Playoff. The shift in kickoff time is one of the biggest changes, moving the action up one hour to better fit the CFP Quarterfinal rotation.
Official 2026 Rose Bowl Game Kickoff Times
- Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Local Kickoff Time (PST): 1:00 PM PT
- National Kickoff Time (EST): 4:00 PM ET
- Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
- Television Broadcast: ESPN
- Pre-Game Festivities Start: 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET
The early start means pre-game festivities, including the traditional team arrivals and the flyover, will begin promptly one hour before kickoff. Spectators attending the game are strongly advised to arrive at the Rose Bowl Stadium early, not only for the pre-game show but also to navigate the significant traffic and parking associated with the Tournament of Roses events.
The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Matchup
For the 2026 season, the Rose Bowl is one of four venues hosting a CFP Quarterfinal. This means the game will feature two teams vying for a spot in the CFP Semifinals, a major departure from the traditional Big Ten vs. Pac-12 conference matchup. Based on current projections for the 12-team playoff bracket, the 2026 Rose Bowl is expected to host a game featuring a high-seed vs. a lower-seed winner from the first round.
The projected matchup for the 2026 CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game is currently No. 1 seed Indiana against the winner of a first-round game, which is projected to be either No. 9 seed Alabama or No. 8 seed Oklahoma. While the specific teams are subject to change based on the final CFP Selection Committee rankings, this illustrates the high caliber of competition that will be on display.
The Rose Bowl's New Role in the 12-Team CFP Format
The integration of the Rose Bowl into the new 12-team College Football Playoff represents the most significant change to the bowl's structure in decades. While the game has always been a prestigious event, its new status as a rotating quarterfinal dramatically increases the national importance of the contest.
The Rose Bowl is one of the "New Year's Six" bowls—alongside the Peach, Fiesta, Sugar, Orange, and Cotton Bowls—that rotate hosting the CFP Semifinals and Quarterfinals. The 2026 game is a Quarterfinal, meaning the winner advances directly to the CFP Semifinal round. This arrangement guarantees that the game features two of the top teams in the nation, making the 1:00 PM PT kickoff a must-watch event for all college football fans.
Preserving the Tradition: The "Granddaddy of Them All"
Despite the CFP changes, the Rose Bowl remains deeply rooted in tradition. The game earned its famous nickname, "The Granddaddy of Them All," from legendary broadcaster Keith Jackson because it is the oldest bowl game in the nation, first staged in 1902 and permanently reinstated in 1916. The game’s history is inextricably linked to the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
Key traditions that will continue on New Year's Day include:
- The iconic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.
- The presence of the Rose Queen and her Royal Court.
- The traditional "Granddaddy of Them All" trophy presentation.
- The annual flyover before kickoff.
The move to a 1:00 PM PT kickoff (4:00 PM ET) is a minor adjustment to a major tradition, ensuring the venerable game can coexist with the modern demands of the expanded College Football Playoff.
Planning Your New Year's Day: Rose Parade and Game Day Logistics
For those attending the Rose Bowl Game, the day begins long before the 1:00 PM PT kickoff. The Tournament of Roses is a full-day event, starting with one of the world's most famous parades.
The Tournament of Roses Parade Schedule
The 137th Rose Parade will take place on the morning of New Year's Day, January 1, 2026. The 2026 theme, "The Magic in Teamwork," will be celebrated through the spectacular floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The parade begins at 8:00 AM PT in Pasadena, running along its traditional route down Colorado Boulevard.
- Rose Parade Start Time: 8:00 AM PT (11:00 AM ET)
- 2026 Theme: "The Magic in Teamwork"
- Grand Marshal: Magic Johnson (Expected)
Attending both the parade and the game requires careful planning due to the massive crowds. Fans are encouraged to utilize public transportation or arrive extremely early, as the area surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium and the parade route will be congested from the early morning hours.
Logistics for the Rose Bowl Stadium
The Rose Bowl Stadium gates will open well in advance of the 1:00 PM PT kickoff. Due to the high-security nature of a CFP Quarterfinal, security checks will be thorough and time-consuming. The stadium, a National Historic Landmark, will be packed with fans of the two competing schools, Indiana and Alabama (or Oklahoma), creating an electric atmosphere.
Parking lots for the game open very early, often before sunrise, and tailgating is a major part of the Rose Bowl experience. With the game starting at 1:00 PM PT, the tailgating window will be slightly shorter than in previous years, so fans should plan to set up early to enjoy the full New Year's Day tradition before the Quarterfinal action begins.
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