UCLA is making a major move to pack the Rose Bowl and its basketball arenas with more student energy: admission to all regular-season home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games is now free for all UCLA students.
The change starts this Saturday, when the Bruins host Purdue in their Big Ten home opener at the Rose Bowl.
“Our students are the heartbeat of UCLA,” said Tim Harris, UCLA CEO and Director of Athletics. “Their passion, energy and pride create an atmosphere that makes a difference for our student-athletes and coaches.
We want as many students as possible experiencing UCLA Athletics, supporting their fellow Bruins and helping us build one of the best home environments in college sports. We need our students to show up, be loud, and make a difference.”
For football, eligible UCLA undergraduate and graduate students will be able to claim complimentary tickets through their student ticket account beginning on the Monday of each game week. For the Sept. 19 game against Purdue, registration opens Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Students who already bought a 2026-27 Den Pass will be refunded automatically by Friday, Sept. 25.
UCLA is also giving students a chance to buy up to eight guest tickets for each home football game, with one exception: the USC game. The process for that matchup will be announced later.
Men’s basketball details will come out before the start of the 2026-27 season.
The school also pointed students toward The Rooter Bus for trips to the Rose Bowl, describing it as an easy, fast and affordable option. Single-game passes cost $15, while a season pass is $60.
UCLA said the free-ticket push fits into a broader effort to improve the student experience through Fours Up, Fans First, enhanced student giveaways, expanded rewards through BruWin Rewards and other game-day atmosphere upgrades across Bruins venues.
“We have an exciting team led by Bob Chesney and a lot of momentum surrounding UCLA Athletics,” Harris said. “Now it's time for our students to help set the standard.
Arrive early. Be loud.
Be relentless. We can't wait to see a sea of Bruin Blue at the Rose Bowl this Saturday.”
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