Rose Bowl Set For $152-Million Makeover

PASADENA (AP) — The Rose Bowl -- a grand old lady of football -- is getting a facelift.

The Pasadena City Council on Monday approved a $152-million renovation plan for the 88-year-old stadium.

The number of luxury seats will be increased to 2,500 from 550. The site of the annual Rose Bowl game also will get a new scoreboard, safety improvements, more restrooms and more concession stands.

Construction will run in three phases beginning in January and ending in 2013 to avoid disrupting games.

The city plans to pay for the upgrade with federal stimulus funds, a bond issue, money from the Tournament of Roses and profits from previous games.

The council also approved 30-year lease extensions with UCLA and the Tournament of Roses to continue playing at the bowl.

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