In Reply to: I've done more than my fair share of defending Ucla's decisions.... posted by hotspot on November 09, 2025 at 22:41:29
No way did they let a huckster like him make this decision. And I wouldn't be surprised if it was in motion before Frenk even arrived. Much bigger interests are at work here, including the Big 10 itself.
Some people (older fans, big tailgaters, and people who live near the RB, mostly) see this as a calamity, but people will adjust. They'll lose some fans, and gain some. I personally have not been to a home game in over a decade now, but with a new coach and stadium, I'll definitely give it a shot again. In fact, I think I'll get two season tickets, one for me and one for whoever I can convince to go with me that day.
The Rose Bowl was never the cause but unfortunately became a symbol of UCLA football's futility, with the empty seats, the tarps, the bad seating and outdated looks. Again, not the cause, but a symbol of having been passed by, like the program itself.
I always liked it but I think this was bound to happen eventually. I think the new coach will like SoFi better, recruits will like it better, and fans will have a better view of the game. Instead of recruits being told that we play 32 miles from campus, they'll be told that they're playing in a state of the art NFL facility.
Lots of downsides as well, but it's not all bad. Like I said, put me down for two seats and I bet I'm not alone.