Indiana’s Historic Rose Bowl Clash with Alabama: What You Need to Know Before Kickoff
It’s been 58 years in the making, but the wait is just about over. Indiana football is heading to Pasadena, and this time, it’s not just for the pageantry-it’s for a shot at the College Football Playoff National Championship. The undefeated Hoosiers are set to take on the perennial powerhouse Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Curt Cignetti’s squad has been building toward this moment since the season kicked off, and now, the preparation is giving way to execution. Tuesday saw both Indiana and Alabama hit the practice fields and face the media, with final adjustments being made before the lights come on at the Rose Bowl.
Let’s break down what you need to know ahead of one of the most anticipated matchups in Indiana football history.
Rose Bowl Game Time: When the Hoosiers and Crimson Tide Kick Off
Circle it, highlight it, set your reminders-the 2026 Rose Bowl kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on **Thursday, Jan.
1**. That’s when Indiana will put its perfect record on the line against the No. 4-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide in a CFP semifinal that promises to be a classic.
The Rose Parade: A Hoosier Presence on the Big Stage
Before the game, the tradition-rich Rose Parade will roll through Pasadena, starting at **11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m.
PT**. This year, Indiana will be well-represented not only on the field but also in the parade itself.
Two Indiana-based bands will march down Colorado Boulevard: Brownsburg High School and the IU Marching Hundred, adding a touch of Hoosier pride to one of college football’s most iconic pregame traditions.
How to Watch the Rose Parade
You’ve got options when it comes to catching the Rose Parade. It will be broadcast nationally across several major networks, including:
- ABC
- NBC
- CNN
- Fox
- Great American Family
- Telemundo
- Univision
Prefer to stream? You can catch the parade on platforms like:
- Fubo
- FanDuel Sports Network
- Christmas Plus
- Dooya
- GFam+
- Great American Pure Flix
- Pluto TV
- Samsung TV Plus
How to Watch the Rose Bowl Game
The main event-the Rose Bowl matchup between Indiana and Alabama-will be broadcast on ESPN, with full national coverage starting at kickoff. Looking for something a little different? ESPN2 will carry an alternate feed with Pat McAfee on the sidelines, offering a more casual, fan-centric experience.
If streaming is your go-to, you can watch the game live on Fubo.
Getting Tickets: What It’ll Cost to Be There in Person
If you’re making the trip to Pasadena or still considering it, be prepared for a wide range of ticket prices. On StubHub, seats are going for anywhere between $105 and $3,489, depending on the section and proximity to the field. Over on Ticketmaster, prices range from $115 to $4,471.88.
A Clash of Tradition and Momentum
This game is more than just a semifinal-it’s a collision of two very different football legacies. On one side, you have Indiana, a team that’s defied expectations all season and now stands undefeated with a shot at the title. On the other, Alabama, a program steeped in championship pedigree and led by Kalen DeBoer, who’s no stranger to the big stage.
There are deep coaching ties between these two programs, and while the recruiting rankings may lean heavily in Alabama’s favor, Indiana has shown all year that heart, execution, and belief can level the playing field.
One More Sleep
Whether you're heading west to Pasadena, tuning in from home, or gathering with fellow fans at your favorite local spot, this is more than just a game-it’s a moment. A chance for Indiana to etch its name into college football history. A chance to prove that the Hoosiers belong on the sport’s biggest stage.
One more sleep. Then it’s time to play ball.