USA vs. Mexico Soccer: Everything You Need To Know About The CONCACAF Cup Match At The Rose Bowl

Editor’s note: Information in this post comes from The Rose Bowl’s CONCACAF Cup webpage.

The United States and Mexico are playing a soccer match Saturday at the Rose Bowl that some are calling the most important U.S. game in years.

It’s a sold out affair that will bring more than 90,000 fans to the Rose Bowl to cheer on their teams.

Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re going to the game, watching at home or trying to avoid traffic that day.

What is it?

The CONCACAF Cup determines the best team in North America. The winner earns a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The Confederations Cup acts as a dress rehearsal of sorts for the World Cup the next year.

There is also a lot at stake for the future of U.S. Soccer, which hasn’t been playing so great lately.

Landon Donovan, a former U.S. Soccer star, has said publicly that he thinks U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann should be fired if America loses to Mexico on Saturday.

When: Saturday, October 10, 6 p.m. local time

TV: Fox Sports 1

Tickets: Tickets are sold out, according to the Rose Bowl’s website. But you can still find them here on StubHub.

Parking

Parking lots open at 2 p.m. to the general public and are priced as follows:

• $25 Carpool general parking (4 or more in vehicle)
• $40 General parking (3 or less in vehicle)
• $100 Limousine parking
• $150 Bus and RV parking

Traffic information

Officials are warning that traffic could get pretty bad during and around the game, with the Dodgers also hosting a playoff game Saturday night.

“The roadways are going to be busy on Saturday,” Darryl Dunn, general manager of the Rose Bowl, told the Pasadena Star-News. “We’re strongly encouraging them to get here no later than 4 p.m. If they don’t get their early, they’re going to have a hard time.”

Dunn said to avoid the 110 on Saturday, as The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is also holding an open house Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will likely create the perfect storm for a traffic nightmare.

The Rose Bowl website offers several public transportation alternatives:

Shuttle from Old Pasadena

The stadium will operate a free shuttle bus service from Parsons Engineering complex. Access to parking is off of Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, CA. (Do not use the physical address of Parsons as the address is located on Walnut Street, and there is no access to the parking lots from Walnut Street.) The shuttle bus location is located on Pasadena Avenue and is ADA/wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the Parsons Engineering Complex parking click here.

There are multiple parking options available in Old Town Pasadena located adjacent to the FREE shuttle.

Gold line light rail service

Metro operates a light rail service to Pasadena via the Metro Gold Line. If you would like to take the Metro Gold Line to the game, exit the train at Memorial Park Station in Pasadena. Follow the signs for two blocks to the Rose Bowl Shuttle pick-up location at Union Street and DeLacey Ave. This shuttle will take you directly to the Rose Bowl Stadium. After the game, simply reverse your route.

For assistance planning your Metro trip call (323) 466-3876 or visit www.metro.net.

Metrolink

Metrolink trains arrive into Union Station, where passengers must transfer to the Gold Line to get to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

Stadium rules and prohibited items

In an effort to improve the gameday experience for fans at Southern California sports events, sports venues throughout the area, working as the Los Angeles Sports Council Task Force on Fan Behavior, have collectively developed the Southern California Fan Code of Conduct.

The Southern California Fan Code of Conduct lists 10 common-sense guidelines intended to foster a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all spectators. Although most venues and teams already have their own codes of conduct, this is the first time a common code, which could subject violators to ejection or arrest, will apply to multiple area sports facilities.

The Rose Bowl Stadium, UCLA Bruins, Rose Bowl Game and Los Angeles Sports Council support the area’s outstanding collegiate sports teams. In order to ensure a safe and celebratory environment, we ask that fans refrain from the following behavior at all events:

· Profanity or other offensive language, whether spoken or appearing on apparel

· Smoking (The Rose Bowl is a non-smoking facility)

· Intoxication or excessive alcohol consumption

· Bringing prohibited items into the venue

· Throwing of items or liquids

· Entering the playing field or court at any time

· Fighting or other threatening behavior

· Failure to retain ticket and/or present it to event staff if requested to do so

· Resale of tickets at the venue

· Violation of state or local laws

Failure to comply may subject you to ejection or arrest.

Fans are encouraged to report inappropriate behavior to team/venue personnel. We welcome your help in our efforts to provide an enjoyable experience for all guests.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Pyrotechnics

• Noisemakers including thunder sticks, musical instruments, whistles, air horns or boom boxes

• Weapons or projectiles

• Boxes or wrapped packages of any size

• Alcoholic beverages

• Glass, metal or hard plastic containers of any size

• Hard or soft sided coolers of any size

• Confetti

• Umbrellas

• Laser pointers, banners or signs

• Helium balloons, balls and other toys

• Unauthorized video cameras, monopods, tripods or selfie sticks

• Animals (except service animals)

• Skates, skateboards and bicycles

Image via Jeff Turner/Flickr Creative Commons