Spectrum News 1: Rose Bowl to be modernized before Olympics; over $1M in investments unveiled
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Calif., joined Rose Bowl Stadium officials, Pasadena leaders and local elected officials to announce Thursday that she secured a new, $1,092,000 federal investment to replace and modernize the water and wastewater systems at the Rose Bowl Stadium ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The stadium’s water and wastewater systems are approaching 100 years old, with aging pipes showing erosion and presenting daily safety concerns, including risks to drinking water quality, wastewater backups and drainage failures, according to Friedman's office.
Last year, the Rose Bowl also served as a critical staging area for residents and first responders during the Eaton Fire.
“Last year’s devastating wildfires showed us that the Rose Bowl is more than a stadium — it’s a lifeline for our community when we need it most,” said Friedman. “In two years, billions of people around the world will be watching as Gold Medal matches for Olympic Soccer are played right here in Pasadena. We cannot welcome the world to a stadium running on nearly 100-year-old pipes that could fail. This investment ensures America’s Stadium is ready for its moment on the world stage while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. I will continue to fight to bring our tax dollars home to invest in the infrastructure our communities depend on.”
Per Friedman's office, the $1,092,000 federal investment is expected to deliver:
- improved drinking water quality for the more than 1 million annual visitors to the stadium
- better flow capacity and drainage to eliminate backups and maintenance failures
- upgraded wastewater systems to protect surface and groundwater quality
- safer, more reliable infrastructure as the venue prepares to host the 2028 Olympics for the third time