WELCOME TO LA BOWL HOSTED BY GRONK...
LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk celebrates the tradition of great college football in Los Angeles through an extraordinary game-day experience that focuses on premium hospitality and highlights the diverse community of Los Angeles. Throughout the week leading up to the game, there will be a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals.
Interested in how your group can get into the action? Group experiences are available for groups of 20 or more. Contact our team today to learn more!
East LA Classic
Garfield High School
VS
Roosevelt High School
The 89th annual East L.A. Classic serves
as the homecoming game for both high
schools and yearlong bragging rights.
East LA Classic
Garfield High School
VS
Roosevelt High School
The 89th annual East L.A. Classic serves
as the homecoming game for both high
schools and yearlong bragging rights.
LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is committed to providing support for underserved youth through its pillars of education, health, wellness and physical activity year-round. The bowl game's continuous work with nonprofit organizations such as One For All Kids, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles and Boys & Girls Club of LA Harbor focuses on key initiatives, such as youth literacy, STEAM education, physical activity and career exploration.
In 2023, LA Bowl Cares Community Ticket Program was able to donate 1,425 tickets to the community. Thank you to all our generous donors! Contact labowlcares@hollywoodparkca.com for any inquiries. Donation package information
"One-For-All Kids" Scholarship Giveaway: LA Bowl partners with Inglewood non-profit "One-for-All Kids" to provide scholarships to ten local students to help offset costs of their college education during OFA's annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive and Scholarship Awards Event.
“Come Write Your Story" Job Shadow Day: LA Bowl partners with Inglewood Unified School District to nominate ten local high school students who will participate in a job shadow day with Hollywood Park employees during the lead up to kickoff. Students are also provided scholarship grants to help them with their college application expenses.
Blood Drive: LA Bowl partnered with WSS Cares, We Love You Foundation & Cedars Sinai to host a community blood drive at SoFi Stadium to promote awareness of donating blood and to recirculate the proceeds throughout the Inglewood and surrounding communities.
LA Bowl Military + First Responder Honors: During the LA Bowl game, one local military and one local first responder will be honored and recognized for their exemplary service and commitment to the Inglewood community.
Boys & Girls Club of Metro LA & Boys & Girls Club of LA Harbor "Days of Play" & "Bookstore on Wheels": This year, LA Bowl partnered with South Bay Athletic Club to promote physical and mental health to hundreds of elementary and middle school-age Boys & Girls Club youth. LA Bowl also replenishes the libraries of Boys & Girls Club-partner schools in the South Bay through our "Bookstore on Wheels'', done in partnership with Amazon.
"Skills & Drills" Girls Flag Football Clinic: LA Bowl, in partnership with the LA Rams and LA Chargers youth football development teams, provide bi-annual instruction to hundreds of local high school girls interested in learning about flag football, a sport sanctioned by CIF as a varsity sport in Fall 2023.
This year, the college football bowl season begins and ends at SoFi Stadium. The LA Bowl on December 17 is part of Bowl Season’s opening weekend. The season will conclude with the world’s biggest college football game – the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9.
On September 14, LA Bowl hosted a kickoff event to celebrate the start of the college football season. The event featured a panel discussion with Bill Hancock, Executive Director, College Football Playoff, Jason Gannon, Managing Director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park and Executive Director of the LA Bowl, and moderator, Yogi Roth, Pac-12 Networks college football analyst. The panelists highlighted events that will be open to the public and exciting community initiatives throughout the college football season. Elementary and middle school students from One For All, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro LA, and Boys and Girls Club of the LA Harbor were invited to celebrate the kickoff of college football with field activities at SoFi Stadium. Each organization received a donation from the Hollywood Park Foundation towards their youth programming.
In conjunction with CFP Foundation’s annual Extra Yard for Teachers week, LA Bowl headed to the University of Southern California for its game against Fresno State to honor local educators. Extra Yard For Teachers is College Football Playoff’s primary initiative to support, recognize, and honor teachers across conferences, universities, and bowl games. This year, the CFP foundation celebrated 23 Los Angeles teachers and educators. Honorees were welcomed to a pregame tailgate and an on-field recognition during the third quarter.
On September 20, the LA Bowl recognized Adrian Gonzalez from Morningside High School on The Big Day for Teachers. The Big Day for Teachers is a College Football Playoff initiative in which hardworking teachers are honored and celebrated across the country. Mr. Gonzalez was selected for his amazing work as a teacher and educator overseeing the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (A.C.E.) Mentor Programs.
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Head to https://www.sofistadium.com/labowl/ for more information on suites, group tickets, and tickets.
LA Bowl Hosted a Kick-Off Event on Wednesday, September 14, with Bill Hancock, Executive Director College Football Playoff; Yogi Roth, Pac-12 Network Analyst; and Jason Gannon, Executive Director LA Bowl and Managing Director SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – (September 15, 2022) – Tickets are now on-sale for the second annual LA Bowl on Saturday, December 17. The LA Bowl celebrates the tradition of great college football in Los Angeles through an extraordinary game-day experience that focuses on premium hospitality and highlights the diverse community of Los Angeles.
This year, the college football bowl season begins and ends at SoFi Stadium. The LA Bowl on December 17 is part of Bowl Season’s opening weekend, kicking off college football’s bowl season. The season will conclude with the world’s biggest college football game – the College Football National Championship on January 9.
The LA Bowl features Mountain West Conference’s No. 1 selection and the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection going head-to-head. Join us in Inglewood on December 17 to see who wears the LA Bowl belt in the City of Champions. Tickets start at $35. For additional information and to purchase tickets and suites, head to https://www.sofistadium.com/labowl/.
Timed with the ticket on-sale, the LA Bowl kickoff event took place at SoFi Stadium on Wednesday September 14. Bill Hancock, Executive Director College Football Playoff; Yogi Roth, Pac-12 Network Analyst; and Jason Gannon, Executive Director LA Bowl and Managing Director SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park joined a panel discussion on the college football landscape in Los Angeles, College Football National Championship, and the major bowl games in the market.
ABOUT LA BOWL
LA Bowl is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, LA Bowl features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about the LA Bowl, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT SOFI STADIUM
SoFi Stadium, the home of the reigning Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif. The 3.1 million square-foot SoFi Stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL, as well as the first indoor-outdoor stadium. It seats approximately 70,000, expandable up to 100,000, with more than 260 luxury suites and more than 13,000 premium seats. SoFi Stadium was host to Super Bowl LVI and will host the College Football National Championship Game in 2023, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 2028. Adjacent to the stadium and sitting under the same roof canopy is the 2.5-acre American Airlines Plaza and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater. For more information about SoFi Stadium, visit www.SoFiStadium.com or @SoFiStadium on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
INGLEWOOD, CA (December 10, 2021) — The inaugural LA Bowl features multiple immersive events and activities leading up to and on game day. Events will take place adjacent to SoFi Stadium in American Airlines Plaza and kick off Friday, December 17th with the ZippyPaws Pep Rally, followed by the Cameo Fan Fest on Saturday, December 18th.
The ZippyPaws Pep Rally is free and open to the public for fans of all ages to cheer on their teams before the big game. Fans can join Oregon State and Utah State cheerleaders, bands, and mascots at the ZippyPaws Pep Rally. Fun interactive contests, a battle of the bands, food trucks and more will entertain fans between 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. next to SoFi Stadium in American Airlines Plaza.
On game day, Wednesday, December 18th, fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Cameo Fan Fest from 2:00 – 4:30 PM before Oregon State and Utah State meet in the first annual LA Bowl. American Airlines Plaza will be transformed into the Cameo Fan Fest for all ticketed guests prior to the game. The Cameo Fan Fest will feature Secret Walls showcasing the art of competition with a live illustration battle between local artists, curated to music by DJ Vick One. Plus, Cameo branded swag, food trucks, both teams’ cheerleaders and bands will rally fans before kickoff.
Tickets for the LA Bowl are priced as low as $32 and can be purchased at www.SoFiStadium.com/LABowl. For more information about the LA Bowl, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
INGLEWOOD, CA (December 5, 2021) — Pacific 12 No. 5 team, Oregon State and Mountain West champion Utah State have been selected to meet in the first annual LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 18th at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced as low as $32 and can be purchased at www.SoFiStadium.com/LABowl.
The Oregon State Beavers concluded the regular season finishing third in the Pac-12 North with an overall record of 7-5 and a conference record of 5-4. The Beavers managed to keep an undefeated home record this season at 6-0. Under experienced head coach Jonathan Smith, who has held the role since 2018, the Beavers are 3-3 in their last six games. Sophomore quarterback Chance Nolan finished the regular season with a 149.47 quarterback rating, and he also earned First-Team All-Pac 12 honors for his efforts this year along with senior wide receiver Trevon Bradford. Bradford recorded 40 receptions and five touchdowns.
Another key contributor to Oregon State’s success this season was junior running back B.J. Baylor, who was the Pac-12 leader this season in total yards (1,259) and yards per game (105), while scoring 13 touchdowns. The Beaver defense is highlighted by linebacker Avery Roberts, who has a Pac-12 best 128 tackles to go along with 9.5 tackles for loss. The Beavers also boast a talented special teams’ group, with junior punter Luke Loecher earning All-Pac 12 Second-Team honors.
The Utah State Aggies (10-3) surprised everyone coming off a 1-5 campaign a year ago. First-year coach Blake Anderson instilled a positive attitude and work ethic. The 10 wins are the most by any first-year coach in the country and it is just the fourth 10-win season in school history. He won his debut, a first in 48 years for the Aggies, as his team came from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Pac-12 power Washington State, 26-23. The Aggies are led by quarterback Logan Bonner, the running back duo of Calvin Tyler Jr. and Elelyon Noa, wide receiver Deven Thompkins and linebacker Justin Rice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Oregon State and Utah State to our inaugural bowl game,” said Jason Gannon, executive director, LA Bowl. “These two teams will play the first college football game at SoFi Stadium, and we look forward watching this competitive match-up on December 18.”
The LA Bowl will also benefit community partners One For All, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor and Boys and Girls Club LA Metro. The bowl game is committed to working with Inglewood’s One For All to support youth through social programs that emphasize the importance of personal growth and community involvement. Similarly, LA Bowl will continue to work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of LA Harbor and LA Metro by helping to end food insecurity in those communities.
For more information about the LA Bowl, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT LA BOWL
LA Bowl is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, LA Bowl features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about the LA Bowl, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Inaugural Collegiate Bowl Game Becomes LA Bowl
LOS ANGELES – November 2, 2O21– Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl named Stifel (NYSE: SF), a global wealth management and investment banking company, as its presenting partner. As a part of the agreement, the inaugural collegiate football game, which features Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus Pac-12’s No. 5 selection after the CFP selection, will be known as LA Bowl.
“We are excited to partner with Stifel to deliver the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl,” said Jason Gannon, executive director, LA Bowl. “Stifel’s commitment to providing a ‘client first’ service culture is consistent with our vision to create memorable college bowl game experiences at SoFi Stadium.”
The agreement serves as Stifel’s first college football partnership and will expand the firm’s presence in Southern California. Stifel will also be incorporated throughout the bowl game’s branding, as well as represented in the uniform patch that will adorn each participating team’s uniform.
“With a state-of-the-art stadium, a glamorous backdrop, two celebrated football programs — and of course, one Jimmy Kimmel — the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will bring together sportsmanship and showmanship for a fantastic weekend of college football,” said Ron Kruszewski, CEO, Stifel.
Stifel will join the bowl game’s community efforts, working closely with its community partners: Inglewood-based One For All, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor and Boys and Girls Club LA Metro. Recently, the bowl game worked with the Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor to donate 2,500 books to 1,200 middle- and grade-school students at the Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington, Calif.
Held on Saturday, December 18 at 4:30 p.m. at SoFi Stadium, LA Bowl will be the first collegiate football game at the stadium. Working with its partners, the bowl game will host a number of immersive events and activities leading up to and on game day. To learn how to attend LA Bowl, go to www.LABowlGame.com for more information on individual and group tickets, as well as suites.
LOS ANGELES – June 17, 2021 – SoFi Stadium and Jimmy Kimmel entered into an unprecedented multi-year partnership to appoint the late-night host the official naming rights partner of LA Bowl, renaming the inaugural collegiate bowl game the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl. Held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will feature Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus Pac-12’s No. 5 selection.
“Stan Kroenke designed Hollywood Park to be a sports and entertainment destination for Angelenos and visitors from across the world to enjoy. We cannot think of a better way to bring sports and entertainment together than by collaborating with celebrated late-night host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel on our collegiate bowl game,” said Jason Gannon, executive director, Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl. “Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will not only bring an incredible game day experience to fans, but it will also focus on supporting our community 365 days a year.”
“Never before has a bowl game been named after a human being (as far as I know, I didn’t check). On December 18, my dream of being forever enshrined alongside orange, rose, cotton and peach comes true,” said Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy announced the partnership and revealed the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl logo on tonight’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. Watch HERE.
Jimmy will work with Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl community partners One For All, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor, and Boys and Girls Club LA Metro. The bowl game is committed to working with Inglewood’s One For All to support youth through social programs that emphasize the importance of personal growth and community involvement. Similarly, Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will continue to work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of LA Harbor and LA Metro by helping to end food insecurity in those communities. Last year, LA Bowl was able to donate 24,000 pounds of food through three food drives. This year, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will also work with additional Los Angeles charities, some of which Jimmy has long supported.
ABC will exclusively televise the game, slated for Saturday, December 18, at 4:30 p.m. PT.
Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will be the first collegiate football game at the new SoFi Stadium. Celebrating the legacy of college football in Los Angeles through extraordinary game-day experiences that focus on premium hospitality, Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will bring the diverse community of Los Angeles together, and with its partners, will create a number of immersive events and activities leading up to and on game day. Partnership opportunities are still available, including presenting sponsor.
For more information about the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, visit www.SoFiStadium.com/labowl and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
LA Bowl to Give 21,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor’s Food Drives on July 10 and July 17
LOS ANGELES – July 9, 2020 – LA Bowl, a new annual college bowl game at SoFi Stadium, is teaming with three Los Angeles-based organizations to help aid families and youths in need. LA Bowl in collaboration with Worldwide Produce is giving 600 boxes, 21,000 pounds, of fresh produce and dairy to struggling families and those that have been affected by the global pandemic at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor locations. Additionally, LA Bowl is providing scholarships for students through Inglewood-based nonprofit, One For All. These efforts are the first of many initiatives that LA Bowl, Boys & Girls Clubs and One For All will partner on throughout the year.
“We are excited to announce LA Bowl’s first community partners. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, and One For All are all incredible pillars of their community,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “These are challenging times for all and as a new neighbor to Southern California, LA Bowl is committed to supporting our local community’s families and youth.”
Beginning December 2020, LA Bowl will feature the Mountain West Conference football champions versus the No. 5 selection from the Pac-12 Conference. The annual event will be hosted at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park for six years, from 2020-2025. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre world-class sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, Calif. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, and One For All are LA Bowl’s first community partners.
On Friday, July 10, LA Bowl in collaboration with Worldwide Produce is giving 300 boxes of fresh produce and dairy at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor. LA Bowl is working alongside Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor to distribute the boxes from 4pm to 7pm. Boxes include potatoes, carrots, pre-cut romaine lettuce, apples, low fat milk, low fat yogurt, and unsalted butter. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor helps families in San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, and South Bay.
“Weekend Wellness Food Program is vital in providing enough food for our families from Friday evening through Sunday. This MUCH NEEDED ‘Weekend Wellness’ program will distribute non-perishable food items to families every weekend through the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor is excited to partner with LA Bowl to ensure that our youth have the resources they need.” Mike Lansing, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.
On Friday, July 17, LA Bowl will help distribute an additional 300 boxes of produce and dairy at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles from 3pm to 4:15pm. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles aids families in Watts/Willowbrook, Bell Gardens and South Los Angeles, and Watts-area housing projects, including the Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens.
“We are immensely grateful for and excited about the year-long partnership with LA Bowl,” said Karen Pointer, Chair of the Board of Directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles. “At a time when food insecurity is a daily concern for families in our communities, LA Bowl’s generous support of our food distribution efforts enables us to continue to provide nutritious food to those families. Healthy food is an essential part of the Healthy Lifestyles Program that we incorporate in every aspect of our Club experience.”
With a commitment to enhancing and giving back to the community, LA Bowl is not only aiding local families and youth through food distribution, but also by promoting education. LA Bowl will donate scholarships to Inglewood-based nonprofit One For All. The organization provides scholarships and school supplies to underprivileged, college-bound students with stellar academic achievements. Each applicant is eligible for up to $500, provided they meet the requirements set forth by One For All. Scholarship recipients are announced in August and December of 2020.
“We are thrilled to partner with LA Bowl to expand our efforts and continue to aid students in reaching their educational goals,” said Mari Morales Rodriguez, founder of One For All. “As this year presents new challenges, we are dedicated – now more than ever – to providing resources to the youth in our community.”
For more information about LA Bowl, visit www.SoFiStadium.com/labowl and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Coming December 2020, LA Bowl Features Mountain West’s No. 1 Selection Versus Pac- 12’s No. 5 Selection
LOS ANGELES, February 26, 2020 – SoFi Stadium, the new home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams, and Hollywood Park, a 298-acre sports and entertainment destination, officially launched its new collegiate football bowl game, LA Bowl. Today, LA Bowl unveiled its new logo and introduced its brand publicly.
“Similar to SoFi Stadium, the LA Bowl game is designed to deliver an authentic Southern California experience,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “In addition, our bowl game events throughout the week will embrace Los Angeles as the entertainment capital of the world.”
LA Bowl, coming December 2020, is an annual game that will feature Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus Pac-12’s No. 5 selection. The game will be at SoFi Stadium from 2020 through 2025. Information regarding ticketing will be shared at a later date.
“We are thrilled to partner with LA Bowl and bring a Pac-12 presence to the new state-of-the-art facility at SoFi Stadium, in one of the biggest markets right in our footprint,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “The entertainment presence of the new facility will provide great experiences for our student-athletes and fans as the Pac-12 continues its postseason matchup with the Mountain West.”
LA Bowl will celebrate the tradition of great college football in Los Angeles through an extraordinary game-day experience that focuses on premium hospitality and highlights the diverse community of Los Angeles. Throughout the week leading up to the game, LA Bowl will also host a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals.
“The Mountain West is delighted to partner with the Pac-12 Conference and the outstanding management team assembled at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park to launch this exciting new bowl game,” said MW Commissioner Craig Thompson. “Los Angeles is a tremendous market firmly within our footprint that is home to a large number of our member institutions’ alumni and the area from which many of our student-athletes are recruited. This will be a top-flight postseason destination for the No. 1 selection from our Conference.”
For more information about LA Bowl, including ticketing, go to www.SoFiStadium.com/LABowl and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
INGLEWOOD, CA (December 4, 2022) — Washington State, the Pac-12’s No. 5 team, after CFP selection, and the Mountain West Champion Fresno State have been selected to meet in the second annual LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 17th at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced as low as $35. For additional information and to purchase tickets and suites, head to www.LABowlGame.com.
The Washington State Cougars are heading to their seventh consecutive bowl game. Jake Dickert served his first full season as the head coach after moving up from defensive coordinator to guide the team for the final six games of the 2021 season.
The Cougars finished the year 7-5 with all five losses coming to the top teams in the Pac-12. Dickert’s team lost to Oregon by three points and Utah by four points. One of their non-conference wins was on the road in Wisconsin. The Cougars averaged 27.8 points and 375.5 yards per game and their defense was fifth in the conference in giving up 22.4 points and 394 yards per game.
Quarterback Cameron Ward completed 298 of 465 passes for 3,094 yards and 23 touchdowns. His favorite targets were receivers De’Zhaun Stribling and Robert Ferrel. Stribling caught 51 passes for 602 yards and five touchdowns and Ferrel had 46 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns. The Cougars ground game was led by Nakia Watson, who had 736 yards in 130 rushes and eight touchdowns.
Fresno State earned the berth to the LA Bowl by stopping the Boise State Broncos on their home field, 28-16. The Bulldogs avenged an earlier loss to the Broncos this season, 40-20, but still went on to win the Western Division of the Mountain West to earn the trip to the Mountain West championship game. The Bulldogs, under coach Jeff Tedford, are 9-4 on the year and 8-1 in conference.
Tedford is in his second stint as head coach for the Bulldogs. He took the Bulldogs to a 26-14 record in three years (2017-2019), including a Mountain West championship and two bowl wins before stepping aside due to health concerns. He returned to the Bulldogs last December when he was named head coach for a second time. Before coming to Fresno State, Tedford was the head coach for California for 10 years (2002-2012).
Fresno State has won eight straight games after getting off to a slow start with one win in their first five games. Two of the losses were games with two of the top teams in the Pac 12 – USC and Oregon State. All four losses for Fresno State were against bowl eligible teams.
Quarterback Jake Haener, who missed part of the season with a lower leg injury, has been strong completing 228 of 314 passes for 2,616 yards and 18 touchdowns to lead the conference. Jordan Mims heads up the strong Bulldog running game with 1,163 yards in 243 tries and 16 touchdowns. Haener’s top targets have been Jalen Moreno-Copper and Nikko Remigio. Moreno-Copper has 79 catches for 1,044 yards and five scores, and Remigio has 69 receptions for 768 yards and five touchdowns. Linebackers Levelle Bailey and Malachi Langley and defensive back Evan Williams lead the Bulldogs defense.
Entering last weekend’s championship game, Fresno State had the top ranked offense in the conference averaging 30.9 points per game and 407 yards per game. The defense ended fifth in the conference giving up 20.8 points and 354 yards per game.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Mountain West and Pac-12 Conferences to our second annual bowl game at SoFi Stadium,” said Jason Gannon, executive director, LA Bowl. “College football’s bowl season begins and ends at SoFi Stadium this year, with an exciting match-up of Washington State vs. Fresno State at the LA Bowl followed by the top two teams in the nation playing for the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9. We look forward to hosting these two great college football games at SoFi Stadium.”
The LA Bowl will also benefit community partners One For All, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor and Boys and Girls Club LA Metro. The bowl game is committed to working with Inglewood’s One For All to support youth through social programs that emphasize the importance of personal growth and community involvement. Similarly, LA Bowl will continue to work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of LA Harbor and LA Metro by supporting STEAM and educational initiatives for the organizations.
For more information about the LA Bowl, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
INGLEWOOD, CA (December 12, 2022) -- The LA Bowl features multiple immersive events and activities to rally fans leading up to and on game day. Events will take place adjacent to SoFi Stadium in American Airlines Plaza and kick off Friday, December 16th with a Pep Rally, followed by a pregame Tequila 512 Fan Fest on Saturday, December 17th.
The Pep Rally is free and open to the public for fans of all ages to cheer on their teams ahead of the big game. Fans can join Fresno State and Washington State cheerleaders, bands, and mascots at the Pep Rally. Fun interactive contests, a battle of the bands, food trucks and more will entertain fans between 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. next to SoFi Stadium in American Airlines Plaza.
On game day, Saturday, December 17th, fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Tequila 512 Fan Fest from 10:00 a.m. to Noon before Fresno State and Washington State meet in the second annual LA Bowl. American Airlines Plaza will be transformed into an exciting pregame tailgate atmosphere with Tequila 512 as the official tequila for the game. The Tequila 512 Fan Fest is included in each ticket and will feature music, food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, both teams’ cheerleaders and bands, plus much more to rally fans before kickoff.
Washington State, the Pac-12’s No. 5 team, after CFP selection, and the Mountain West Champion Fresno State will meet in the second annual LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 17th at 12:30 p.m. The teams will compete for the one-of-a-kind custom TrophySmack championship belt as their trophy. This year, the college football bowl season begins and ends at SoFi Stadium. The LA Bowl kicks off college football’s bowl season. The season will conclude with the world’s biggest college football game – the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 9.
Tickets for the LA Bowl are priced as low as $35 and can be purchased at www.SoFiStadium.com/LABowl. For additional information and to purchase tickets and suites, head to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Thank you for following along with SoFi Stadium this bowl season and all year-round! This year’s Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel had 32,400+ tickets distributed, and 2.4 million viewers tuned in on ABC. College Football bowl season began on our home turf with Fresno State beating Washington State in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel and ended on January 9 with Georgia crowned as the 2023 College Football National Champion. SoFi Stadium is the place to be a Bulldog! Don’t miss out on Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel 2023, and join our insider list.
Congratulations to Fresno State on their historic season and a win in this year’s Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel. With the win, Fresno State became the first Football Bowl Subdivision team to start a season 1-4 and finish with 10 wins (10-4). RB Jordan Mims was named the Offensive MVP after rushing for a career-high 209 yards and scoring two touchdowns. DL Devo Bridges received Defensive MVP honors after recording career highs in tackles (8) and sacks (2).
The Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel, along with players from Washington State and Fresno State, visited over 200 students at La Tijera Charter Middle School in Inglewood. Together, they competed in games of football, soccer, and basketball. Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel also partnered with WSS to provide an assortment of holiday gifts for students including backpacks and water bottles.
In partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation, five teachers in the Inglewood and the surrounding community were honored with an on-field recognition and were presented with checks for their individual academic curriculums during the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel.
Mark your calendars for this year’s LA Bowl on Saturday Dec. 16! The game will take place at 4:30 p.m. at SoFi Stadium. Join our LA Bowl insiders list to discover everything you need to know about LA Bowl 2023.
Each year, LA Bowl is committed to serving and engaging the community across the Los Angeles region. Last month, LA Bowl participated in its third annual Bookstore on Wheels at Harry Bridges Span School. In collaboration with LA Bowl’s community partner, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor, 2,400 books were donated to over 700 elementary and middle school students to promote the importance of literacy.
In April, WeLoveU Foundation's Mega Blood Drive presented by LA Bowl took place in American Airlines Plaza adjacent to SoFi Stadium. The event provided safe blood donations to the Los Angeles and Inglewood communities.
Congratulations to the 20 LA Bowl alumni who are taking their talents to the next level! Former Fresno State QB Jake Haener played his final collegiate game at last year’s LA Bowl with a 29-6 win over Washington State. Last month, Haener was drafted to the New Orleans Saints.
2022 LA Bowl Alumni in the 2023 NFL Draft:
Fresno State
Jake Haener / New Orleans Saints
Nikko Remigio / Kansas City Chiefs
Jordan Mims / Buffalo Bills
Jalen Moreno-Cropper / Dallas Cowboys
David Perales / Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington State
Daiyan Henley / Los Angeles Chargers
Derrick Langford Jr. / New York Jets
The 2023 LA Bowl Cares community ticket program has officially launched! The program offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to give back to their community. LA Bowl Cares shares the college bowl game experience at SoFi Stadium with local Inglewood and greater Los Angeles youth and non-profit groups through ticket donations.
LA Bowl is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Super Bowl LVI champion Los Angeles Rams, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, the LA Bowl features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about LA Bowl, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (October 21, 2023) – SoFi Stadium and four-time Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski entered into a multi-year agreement to rename LA Bowl, SoFi Stadium’s owned and operated college bowl game, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. The bowl game, which was previously named the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, will see Gronkowski taking over hosting duties from late night host Jimmy Kimmel. Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. The game features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after CFP selection.
Bringing his unique style and flair back to college football, Gronkowski will serve as the official host of the game. He’ll kick off game day with a specialized grand entrance, preside over the coin toss and close out the night with the trophy presentation. At the trophy presentation, Gronkowski will present the winning team with the bowl game’s one-of-a-kind Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk championship belt. Gronkowski is also developing a special performance for fans in attendance on December 16 and more details will be shared at a later date. The Gronkowski family business, Gronk Fitness, and Chris Gronkowski and his brother’s company, Ice Shaker, will also be partnering with Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. Gronk Fitness and Ice Shaker will be featured throughout bowl week and during the game.
This partnership further cements Gronkowski’s presence and influence as a leader in sports marketing, and will focus on expanding his reach, as well as the family brands, into college sports. The agreement marks a return to the LA Bowl for Gronkowski. During his college career at the University of Arizona, Gronkowski played in the then Las Vegas Bowl; its conference match-up was relocated to Los Angeles and renamed LA Bowl in 2020.
“Football has brought me so many incredible opportunities, and I’m thrilled to return to college football as the host of my very own bowl game,” said Rob Gronkowski. “We are going to light up college football bowl season. This game is going to be epic, so I better see everyone at the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk at SoFi Stadium on December 16!”
In addition, Gronkowski will design and debut a custom item of Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk merchandise for fans, as well as work with SoFi Stadium’s culinary team to create food and beverage specials for the game. Fans will also have the opportunity to compete against the five-time Pro Bowler. Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk will work hand-in-hand with Gronkowski to develop an in-game contest that pits the NFL legend against college football fans.
“Rob is larger than life and an outstanding representation of football at the highest level,” said Chris Sloan, head of global partnerships, SoFi Stadium, Hollywood Park and Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. “The Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk continues to merge the world of competitive sports with top-notch entertainment, and we cannot wait for the fans to experience college bowl season with Rob Gronkowski.”
This partnership returns Gronkowski to his college football days, paying homage to the timeless tradition of college bowl games. Gronkowski and his brother Chris Gronkowski played in the Las Vegas Bowl, its match-up is now at the LA Bowl, during their college careers. In 2008, the Mountain West sent Brigham Young University (BYU), their second-place team and the No. 16th nationally ranked team according to USA Today’s Football Coaches Poll that year, to face off against the University of Arizona’s Wildcats. Gronkowski and the Arizona Wildcats took down BYU, 31-21, with Chris Gronkowski catching a 24-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to help cement Arizona’s lead. At the time, this win marked the school’s first bowl victory in a decade and first winning season in nine years.
As in years past, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk will have a fun and interactive week of events onsite at Hollywood Park in the lead up to the game. This includes a Pep Rally, a Fan Fest, and more. The Pep Rally, which takes place the night before kickoff, is free and open to the public. Fans of all ages can gather to cheer on their teams ahead of the big game alongside the school’s cheerleaders, bands, and mascots. On game day, fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Fan Fest before the third annual Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. American Airlines Plaza will be transformed into an exciting pregame tailgate atmosphere and will feature music, food trucks, photo opportunities, both teams’ cheerleaders and bands, plus much more to rally fans before kickoff.
Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is committed to providing support for underserved youth through its pillars of education, health, wellness and physical activity year-round. The bowl game’s continuous work with nonprofit organizations such as One For All Kids, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles and Boys & Girls Club of LA Harbor focuses on key initiatives, such as youth literacy, STEAM education, physical activity and career exploration. Additionally, Gronkowski will highlight his foundation, Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
Additional Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk partners include: Four Roses Bourbon, TrophySmack, Universal Studios Hollywood, JR286, Roll Em Up and more.
For more information about the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk and to purchase tickets and suites, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT STARCO BRANDSLA BOWL HOSTED BY GRONK
Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT ROB GRONKOWSKI
Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Rob Gronkowski had two stints in the NFL, beginning with the New England Patriots (2010-2018). Gronkowski won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, and was named to five Pro Bowls, four First-team All-Pro’s, and won the NFL Comeback player of the Year in nine years with the team. After a brief retirement in 2019, Gronkowski returned to the NFL and spent two seasons in Tampa Bay (2020-2021) with his former quarterback, Tom Brady. Gronkowski won his fourth Super Bowl in 2021 with the Buccaneers. Before the end of his NFL tenure, he was named on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He officially retired in 2022 after an 11-year career, ending with 92 touchdowns, 621 receptions, and over 9,200 yards. Off the field, Gronkowski works with the community through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. He focuses on inspiring youth to reach their maximum potential through sports, education, community, and fitness. Gronk and his brothers also operate Gronk Fitness, a business that sells Gronk-branded gym equipment.
INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (December 1, 2023) – The LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk named Starco Brands, Inc. (OTCQB: STCB), a Los Angeles-based consumer goods company, its naming rights partner. As part of the agreement, the collegiate football bowl game owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, will be named the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. The game kicks off on December 16 at SoFi Stadium and features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game.
“We are thrilled to be the naming rights partner for the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk at the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This partnership goes beyond the game; it offers us a perfect platform to showcase our consumer products with behavior-changing technologies that spark excitement in everyday life,” said Ross Sklar, CEO of Starco Brands.
“Our brands — Whipshots®, Art of Sport, Winona®, Skylar, and Soylent — have made a name for themselves in the market. Now, through this naming-rights partnership, the nation will get to know Starco Brands as the modern-day invention factory behind these disruptive brands. We are committed to pushing boundaries and redefining consumer product experiences for the 21st century. SoFi Stadium, with its equally innovative and state-of-the-art atmosphere, is the perfect venue for such a showcase,” added Sklar.
Through the agreement, Starco Brands’ sponsorship and naming rights will bring several of its well-known products to life during bowl week and on game day, including Whipshots, the world’s only vodka-infused whipped cream co-founded by global artist Cardi B; Art of Sport, the premium body care brand designed for athletes and co-founded by Kobe Bryant; Winona Popcorn Spray, the first indulgent theater-popcorn spray powered by air; Skylar, a pioneer in prestige fragrances that are both hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin; and Soylent, the complete non-dairy total nutrition brand.
“As a proud investor and strategic advisor to Starco Brands, seeing the company partner with the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is exciting and a huge moment for the brand,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises and two-time NBA Hall of Famer. “I have always been passionate about giving back to my Los Angeles community and supporting initiatives that bring joy and excitement to the city I call home. The Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk represents the spirit of competition, unity, and celebration that resonates deeply with the people of Los Angeles.”
“The Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is excited to bring on a global brand, based locally in Santa Monica,” said Adolfo Romero, Interim Executive Director, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. “Partnering with Starco Brands and its portfolio of products will enhance the bowl week experience for the players and coaches, as well as fans, who will have the opportunity to interact with their brands onsite.”
As a naming rights partner of the game, Starco Brands will have an impact throughout bowl week, including at the annual Pep Rally and Fan Fest.
The evening before game day, American Airlines Plaza hosts the Pep Rally with each school’s cheer team, mascots and a battle of the bands. Fans and students can attend, show their school spirit, and participate in games and activities. The Pep Rally is free and open to the public.
The Fan Fest begins on gameday and is free for ticketed guests. American Airlines Plaza will be transformed into an exciting pregame tailgate atmosphere and will feature music, food trucks, photo opportunities, both teams’ cheerleaders and bands, plus much more to rally fans before kickoff.
Pep Rally and Fan Fest attendees will be able to sample Soylent, Whipshots, and Skylar. Both events will feature a “Whipshots Wonderland,” where fans can enjoy samples of hot cocoa topped with Whipshots. In addition, there will be many engaging activities with chances to win free products.
The Starco Brands logo will also be present on the 25-yard lines during the game, on the 50-yard line as part of the game’s new logo, as well as featured on a jersey patch of each team participating in the game. The consumer goods company will also have the opportunity to participate in player gifting during bowl week.
For more information about the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk and to purchase tickets and suites, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The LA Bowl Cares program offers businesses and individuals the opportunity to give back to their community. For LA Bowl Cares inquiries, contact labowlcares@hollywoodparkca.com.
ABOUT STARCO BRANDSLA BOWL HOSTED BY GRONK
Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus the Pac-12’s No. 5 selection, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about the Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT ROB GRONKOWSKI
Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Rob Gronkowski had two stints in the NFL, beginning with the New England Patriots (2010-2018). Gronkowski won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, and was named to five Pro Bowls, four First-team All-Pro’s, and won the NFL Comeback player of the Year in nine years with the team. After a brief retirement in 2019, Gronkowski returned to the NFL and spent two seasons in Tampa Bay (2020-2021) with his former quarterback, Tom Brady. Gronkowski won his fourth Super Bowl in 2021 with the Buccaneers. Before the end of his NFL tenure, he was named on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He officially retired in 2022 after an 11-year career, ending with 92 touchdowns, 621 receptions, and over 9,200 yards. Off the field, Gronkowski works with the community through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. He focuses on inspiring youth to reach their maximum potential through sports, education, community, and fitness. Gronk and his brothers also operate Gronk Fitness, a business that sells Gronk-branded gym equipment.
INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (September 3, 2024) – Starting today, tickets are on-sale for the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. The game kicks off on Wednesday, December 18 at 6 PM PT at SoFi Stadium and features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus a former Pac-12 team. Last year’s LA Bowl saw the neighboring University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins take down Boise State Broncos 35 to 22.
Tickets to the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk are available beginning today at www.LABowlGame.com.
In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk will host a series of events for the teams, their families, fans and locals in the days leading up to the game.
"In the fourth year of LA Bowl, we are thrilled to have the legendary Rob Gronkowski return as our host," said Adolfo Romero, Executive Director, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. "This year, LA Bowl and its surrounding events will celebrate football at all levels and Rob is the perfect partner as he transcends generations and is beloved by kids and college athletes alike. This year, LA Bowl will give fans a chance to see a former Pac-12 team take on the top team in the Mountain West and we can't wait for fans to experience the fun and festive LA Bowl at the unparalleled SoFi Stadium."
Bringing his unique style and flair back to college football, four-time Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski will return to serve as the official host of the game for the second-consecutive year. He'll kick off gameday with a specialized grand entrance, preside over the coin toss and close out the night with the trophy presentation. At the trophy presentation, Gronkowski will present the winning team with the bowl game's one-of-a-kind LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk championship belt.
"I'm excited to continue to grow the LA Bowl in 2024," said Rob Gronkowski. "Last year was a blast but you won't want to miss year two!!"
After singing the National Anthem at last year's game, Gronkowski is working on ways to top that with a special performance for fans in attendance on December 18 and more details will be shared at a later date. The Gronkowski family business, Gronk Fitness, and Chris Gronkowski and his brother's company, Ice Shaker, also will be partnering with LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. Gronk Fitness and Ice Shaker will be featured during the game.
The LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk will work hand-in-hand with Gronkowski to develop an in-game contest that pits the five-time Pro Bowler against college football fans.
This partnership returns Gronkowski to his college football days, paying homage to the timeless tradition of college bowl games. Gronkowski and his brother Chris Gronkowski played in the Las Vegas Bowl, its match-up is now at the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk, during their college careers. In 2008, the Mountain West sent Brigham Young University (BYU), their second-place team and the No. 16th nationally ranked team according to USA Today's Football Coaches Poll that year, to face off against the University of Arizona's Wildcats. Gronkowski and the Arizona Wildcats took down BYU, 31-21, with Chris Gronkowski catching a 24-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to help cement Arizona's lead. At the time, this win marked the school's first bowl victory in a decade and first winning season in nine years.
As in years past, the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk will have a fun and interactive few days of events in the lead up to the game. This includes a Fan Fest, community events, and more. On gameday, fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Fan Fest before the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. American Airlines Plaza will be transformed into an exciting pregame tailgate atmosphere and will feature music, food trucks, photo opportunities, both teams' cheerleaders and bands, plus much more to rally fans before kickoff.
The LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk is committed to enhancing the lives of under-resourced youth with a focus on education and health and wellness. Key initiatives include improving youth literacy through access to books, exposure to STEAM education, school visits centered around physical activity and career exploration field trips to SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Additionally, Gronkowski will highlight his foundation, Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.
For more information about the LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk and to purchase tickets and suites, visit www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT LA BOWL HOSTED BY GRONK
The LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development being built by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by SoFi Stadium, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk features the Mountain West's No. 1 selection versus a former Pac-12 team, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans, and locals in the days leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about the LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, including ticketing, go to www.LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on X, Instagram and Facebook, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT ROB GRONKOWSKI
Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, Rob Gronkowski had two stints in the NFL, beginning with the New England Patriots (2010-2018). Gronkowski won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, and was named to five Pro Bowls, four First-team All-Pro's, and won the NFL Comeback player of the Year in nine years with the team. After a brief retirement in 2019, Gronkowski returned to the NFL and spent two seasons in Tampa Bay (2020-2021) with his former quarterback, Tom Brady. Gronkowski won his fourth Super Bowl in 2021 with the Buccaneers. Before the end of his NFL tenure, he was named on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He officially retired in 2022 after an 11-year career, ending with 92 touchdowns, 621 receptions, and over 9,200 yards. Off the field, Gronkowski works with the community through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation. He focuses on inspiring youth to reach their maximum potential through sports, education, community, and fitness. Gronkowski, his father and his brothers also operate Gronk Fitness, a business that sells residential and commercial fitness equipment.
Los Angeles, CA (September 5, 2024) – Los Angeles Unified is thrilled to announce the 89th Annual East L.A. Classic at SoFi Stadium, presented by LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk and the Los Angeles Rams. The much anticipated Friday Night Lights football game between Theodore Roosevelt High School versus James A. Garfield High School will take place on October 25, 2024.
Since 1925, this match-up has been one of the most highly acclaimed and attended high school football games west of the Mississippi River. The East L.A. Classic serves as the homecoming game for both high schools. The Mighty Rough Riders and Bulldogs will vie for the perpetual trophy and yearlong bragging rights.
"We are excited to announce that one of Los Angeles Unified's most iconic matchups will debut at SoFi Stadium this year," Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. "For 89 years, the East L.A. Classic has been a cornerstone of unity; bringing alumni, employees, students, and community members to the game. There is a palpable excitement in the air as we eagerly await to see who will claim the trophy and earn bragging rights this school year. Go teams!"
"We are thrilled to see this iconic football showdown kick-off in a stadium that is as grandiose as the school rivalry itself," Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. "These games exemplify the values of tradition, teamwork, and friendly competition, and having the East LA Classic at SoFi Stadium will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the teams, their fans, and our school communities."
"LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the community," Adolfo Romero, Executive Director for LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk said. "We're thrilled to celebrate the culture surrounding the historic East L.A. Classic while highlighting the local athletes of James A. Garfield High School and Theodore Roosevelt High School in our world-class stadium."
For a second year in a row, both schools' Girls Flag Football teams will compete before the East L.A. Classic kick-off. Last year, in an epic battle, the Rough Riders triumphed in the first-ever Girls' Flag Football game, clinching a historic overtime victory.
"The Los Angeles Rams are grateful to be a part of bringing the historic East LA Classic matchup to SoFi Stadium," said Los Angeles Rams senior director of social justice and football development Johnathan Franklin. "As an alumnus of LAUSD, I'm thrilled to see the Classic grow as we invite high school athletes to play on the same field as professionals. We're excited to include girls flag football as we continue to grow the legacy of one of the most iconic high school games in the nation."
"In 2022, over 30,000 fans enjoyed a thrilling game and a spectacular halftime show at the Los Angeles Coliseum," Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Ben Gertner said. "Now this huge rivalry game is heading to SoFi Stadium, one of the premier sporting venues in the world, and we are highlighting our newest competition, Flag Football. Buy your tickets in advance and get to the game early to see the Flag Football Classic at 6:00 p.m. Whether you never miss a Classic or have never been, you are not going to want to miss this celebration of culture and tradition!"
"The storied tradition of the Classic will have a new historic chapter for 2024," Math, Science, and Technology Magnet at Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Patricia Hanson said. "I am already so proud of our Cheer, Drill, Marching Band, Mariachi and Leadership students for their work showing school and community pride. The Rough Rider athleticism, innovation, unity and talent of our mighty Flag Football and Football teams will be on full display October 25th. SoFi Stadium hosting the Super Bowl in 2022 was just the warm-up to the Classic. Don't miss out. Get those tickets early and we'll see you there."
"I am looking forward to seeing East Los Angeles under one roof, battling for bragging rights," James A. Garfield High School Principal Regina Martinez Marquez said. "What makes this game special is watching Girls Flag show the world what an adrenaline rush it is to watch them play."
This year's match promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season for Los Angeles Unified.
Tickets will go on sale Monday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com. Students will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at their respective schools for a discounted price. Media outlets interested in covering the game can contact Jennifer Valdivia at j.valdivia@lausd.net for press credentials and additional information.
LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk
LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development owned, developed and operated by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by Hollywood Park, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk features the Mountain West's No. 1 selection versus a former Pac-12 team, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans, and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, including ticketing, go to LABowlGame.com and visit @LABowlGame on X, Instagram and Facebook, Instagram and Facebook.
About Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams – Los Angeles' original professional sports team and Super Bowl LVI Champions – stand as one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League and since its founding in 1937, have garnered four World Championships and sent 30 of its members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a professional sports team, the organization is committed to be a valuable civic partner and serving the greater Los Angeles area 365 days a year. The Rams play their home games at SoFi Stadium, which is located at Hollywood Park, a 298-acre sports and entertainment destination being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke in Inglewood, CA.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.