San Gabriel Valley : UCLA Seeks 7-Year Lease at Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl officials said Tuesday that UCLA is proposing a new lease that will have the Bruins playing in the stadium for as much as seven more years.

With Pasadena about to embark on a $22.5-million face lift of the aging stadium, UCLA is proposing a deal to make it the Bruins’ home field until 2003, according to David Jacobs, Rose Bowl manager.

However, city sources said, UCLA may want to be able to buy itself out of the lease if it later chooses to move.

“We think we can do better, but it’s a good start,” Jacobs said.

He declined to give further details of UCLA’s offer. Currently, UCLA pays $250,000 a year to lease the venue and generates additional money for the city in concessions and leases on stadium suites.

Jacobs said he expects the City Council later this month to vote on a 20-year bond issue to pay for the sweeping renovation--including the addition of theater-style seats, a permanent video board, new scoreboards, extra concessions and more restrooms--to be undertaken in the next two years.

Some council members want a commitment from UCLA before the vote, scheduled for March 25. “The seven years isn’t adequate. We’re looking at huge capital investment,” said Councilman Paul Little, who has supported the improvements. “That leaves us with 13 years of no guaranteed income.”