The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football, typically featuring the Big Ten and Pac-12 conference champions. It has a rich history dating back to 1902 and is nicknamed “The Granddaddy of Them All.” As one of the New Year’s Six bowl games, there is always high demand to watch the Rose Bowl Game each year.
Can I watch the Rose Bowl Game on TV for free?
Unfortunately, the Rose Bowl Game is not available for free on broadcast television. The game’s broadcasting rights are owned by ESPN, which will air the game exclusively on either ESPN or ABC. Both of these are cable networks, so you need a pay TV subscription that includes ESPN or ABC in order to watch the Rose Bowl Game on TV.
Over-the-air TV networks like CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC (except in specific markets) do not have rights to broadcast the Rose Bowl Game. So the only way to watch the game for free on TV would be if your local ABC station was broadcasting the game in your market. Local channel availability depends on where you live.
Can I stream the Rose Bowl Game for free online?
There are no legal options to stream the Rose Bowl Game for free online. ESPN’s digital platforms like ESPN.com and the ESPN app will stream the game, but you need a valid cable, satellite or live TV streaming service login from a provider that includes ESPN access. ESPN+ also cannot be used to stream the game.
Some shady websites may offer illegal pirated streams of the Rose Bowl Game. However, this is unethical, risky and often leads to spam, malware and poor quality. It’s best to avoid these unauthorized streaming sites altogether.
Can I listen to the Rose Bowl Game on the radio for free?
Yes, you can listen to the Rose Bowl Game for free on terrestrial radio. ESPN Radio broadcasts national coverage of the game each year with commentators. To listen for free:
- Tune in to your local ESPN Radio affiliate station. Use the ESPN Radio station finder to locate the closest station.
- Listen to the ESPN Radio broadcast online at ESPN.com or using the ESPN app.
- Some university flagship radio stations may also carry the game if their school is playing.
Keep in mind the experience will be audio-only without any video. But it’s a legal way to follow along with the Rose Bowl Game for free.
What are some other ways to watch the Rose Bowl Game for free?
Here are a few other legal options for watching the Rose Bowl Game without paying:
- Watch the game at a friend’s house if they have cable or streaming access to ESPN/ABC.
- Visit a local sports bar or restaurant that will have the game on.
- Check public events in your area that may be screening the game, like at parks, rec centers or on outdoor big screens.
Of course, these require either coordination with friends or leaving your house. But they allow you to watch the game in its entirety with full commentary and analysis.
What are the cheapest paid options for watching the Rose Bowl Game?
If you want to watch the Rose Bowl Game at home on a budget, here are some of the cheapest paid routes:
Live TV Streaming Services
Service | Starting Price Per Month |
---|---|
Sling TV Orange | $40 |
FuboTV | $70 |
DirecTV Stream | $70 |
YouTube TV | $65 |
These internet-based TV services let you stream ESPN and live TV channels on demand. Pricing starts around $40/month. But they offer free trials you can use just for the game.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s live TV plan costs $70/month but comes with ad-supported Hulu on demand with shows, movies and originals. You can try it free for 7 days.
HD Antenna for ABC
If ABC is available free over-the-air in your area, you can watch the Rose Bowl Game on ABC with a good HD antenna for under $50 one-time.
How can I watch the Rose Bowl Game in person?
Watching the Rose Bowl Game live at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California is an unforgettable bucket list experience for any college football fan. Here are some tips for attending:
- Buy tickets through official sources like Ticketmaster when they go on sale to the general public.
- Check with the two participating universities for ticket allotments they may make available for students and donors.
- Rose Bowl Game travel packages with tickets, hotel, etc. are sold through PrimeSport.
- If the game sells out, use a secondary ticket site like StubHub, SeatGeek or VividSeats to find last minute tickets.
- Join the stadium waiting list for potential ticket releases nearer to the game.
Plan ahead, as ticket demand is extremely high. Prices typically start around $150 for upper deck seats and increase from there. It’s an investment, but attending the Rose Bowl Game is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there are no free and legal ways to stream the Rose Bowl Game online. Pay TV or a service like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV or DirecTV Stream is required for live access. Listening on ESPN Radio provides free audio coverage. Otherwise, head to a sports bar or friend’s house, or check for any community viewings in your city. With some creative thinking, you can still manage to watch the Tradition Unlike Any Other without breaking the bank.