Visitors of the Rose Bowl can witness a UCLA home game or the oldest and most famous bowl game in football.  I had the opportunity to kill two bruins with one stone.  My visit to Pasadena involved a classic Rose Bowl game in 1994 pitting the Wisconsin Badgers against UCLA.  If the Bruins hadn't been playing that day, I wouldn't be able to count this trip as part of my stadium countdown.  This was my first taste of west coast football.  Even the second time that I went for the Rose Bowl between Wisconsin and Stanford, I was in awe of the contrasts.  Being used to the beer and brat crowd of the Big Ten, I was surprised to see a more laid back, wine and cheese soirée that many refer to as a tourist attraction.  I even caught some west coast fans playing chess on the tailgating grounds.  I wouldn't trade tossing the football for anything intellectual on gameday.  Mercy.  Nevertheless, the fans get immersed into the game with their bright blue and yellow pompons coloring the home section.  The most memorable Bruin tradition is their cheer that shouts, "U...C...L...A...UCLA Fight! Fight! Fight!"  This incessant echo permeates the brain.  It has been well over a decade since I witnessed the Bruins and I still find myself mocking that chant while visualizing the UCLA tuba section bending back toward the sunlight during a crescendo in their fight song.  UCLA is lucky to play here.  The Rose Bowl is the perfect arena.  Set amongst the San Gabriel Mountains and placed in the ritzy neighborhoods of the Arroyo Seco, the setting is timeless and leaves a lasting impression.  You want history?  The Rose Bowl rivals Notre Dame with its rich traditions and illustrious past.  Some of college football's most memorable moments occurred on this stage.  National championship battles, storied programs, Heisman trophy winners and legendary coaches have all graced the bright green grass of the Rose Bowl.  Some of my fondest memories originate in southern California at this magnificent venue and I know I'm not alone in that aspect.

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