Ohio State's football team put on an impressive display on January 1, 2025, securing a decisive 41-21 victory against Oregon at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. This thrilling contest not only showcased the Buckeyes' prowess on the field but also drew significant viewer attention, amassing average viewership numbers through ESPN.
According to ESPN, the game garnered an average of 21.1 million viewers, peaking at 24.3 million—marking it as the most-watched non-NFL sporting event since the 2024 College Football Playoff title game. With audiences eagerly tuning in, the Rose Bowl continues to stand out as a pinnacle event, drawing attention from fans across the nation.
Among those behind the scenes of this monumental event was Julia Goldstein, the executive director for events at the Rose Bowl. An alumna of the University of Oregon, Goldstein has been integral to the management of not just the Rose Bowl Game but over 200 events hosted annually at the stadium. Reflecting on her career, she shared, "The Oregon brand is immediately recognizable... when I tell them, they’re like, 'Oh, I know why you went there.'" Her tenure at the Rose Bowl began shortly after her graduation with a background focused on sports business. Today, she leads her team through all the logistical challenges surrounding national events.
"The Rose Bowl has provided me with so much opportunity, leadership, and guidance, and the ability to kind of forge my own path," Goldstein stated, emphasizing her unique challenges during the recent game. The change from the Bowl Championship Series to the College Football Playoff format posed new difficulties, particularly with the uncertainty of which teams would face off. "This year was the biggest change... you can’t rush things over Christmas," she alluded, recounting how her team had to prepare for both Ohio State and Tennessee as potential contenders.
Goldstein’s role is akin to piecing together a puzzle, where every day is different. "It’s challenging and complicated, and yes, Rose Bowl games are fun, but I enjoy the music element too," she explained. Engaged with everything from coordinating parking to managing vendor relationships and janitorial staff, Goldstein thrives on the vibrant atmosphere of the events she oversees. With this year’s game marking her third showcasing the Ducks, she remarked, "I love it! Everybody’s hyped and my phone is blowing up." The energy of the crowd significantly adds to the experience, making all the hard work worthwhile.
Beyond the games, the Rose Bowl, as with many major sporting events, has not been without its share of concerns. Following recent violent incidents across the U.S., security measures at the Rose Bowl have steeply increased, paralleling those seen at various events nationwide. An attendee shared thoughts on security during the game, highlighting worries for safety, saying, "I hope it doesn’t happen," referring indirectly to fears sparked by recent tragedies.
Another journalist present at the game reflected on the drastic shifts since the 1970s, recalling how his last visit to the Rose Bowl was marked by simpler, far less expensive experiences. “Back then,” he reminisced, “the round-trip cost was just $154, and lodging amounted to only $75 over three days. All told, today we spent over $2,500 to cover the Rose Bowl.” The evolution of the event experience over decades highlights significant changes not just in monetary terms but also relating to the heightened vigilance surrounding spectator safety.
Despite the increased security and rising costs, the popularity of the Rose Bowl has remained steadfast. The Buckeyes' win over Oregon is just one highlight of the event, which, after this victory, has advanced them to the national semifinals, where they will clash with Texas. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the upcoming match, pondering if the Buckeyes can maintain their momentum to secure the national championship.
Ohio State's successful performance and the managed yet celebratory atmosphere of the Rose Bowl exemplify the excitement of college football. From Goldstein’s strategic oversight to fans cheering on their teams, this event highlights the community's spirit and resilience amid the ever-changing dynamics of sports events. The Rose Bowl undoubtedly continues to symbolize not just historic beauty but also the evolution of collegiate athletic competition.