UCLA

A renovated seating plan at the Rose Bowl that in some cases will include radical moves for season-ticket holders has UCLA officials bracing for the expected fallout two weeks away.

The switches come as the stadium capacity drops about 8,000--down to about 90,000. The exact number is still to be determined because handicap seating that once was in the end zone now stretches around the bowl and because most of the bleachers have been replaced by regular seats. The bleachers will remain in the end zone.

It was left to a committee to decide the new locations for season-ticket holders, with a priority given to major boosters and donors. In some cases, fans who have had four tickets side by side may now have two in a row and the other two directly behind. Groups that for years enjoyed seats next to another set of fans might now find themselves separated.

And, in what may be the most difficult move to accept, some fans will be switched from the west side of the stadium to the east side. That might allow them to retain nearly the same yard-line location, but also put them on the side that is hit strongly by the sun. The Bruins could have as many as five day games at the Rose Bowl, depending on television.

“The only thing I can tell them is everyone moved,” Athletic Director Pete Dalis said. “I don’t have a good answer. I really don’t. I don’t have an answer that will satisfy them.”

There are eight new restrooms around the stadium and a new sound system, to go with the new video scoreboard installed for last season. School officials will listen to feedback in the days after the Sept. 12 opener against Texas--a 12:30 start--and say they will attempt to do their best to make adjustments where possible. Additionally, the first 10,000 fans entering through selected tunnels on the east side will receive a bag that includes a complimentary bottle of water, a visor and sun screen.

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Paul Nelson, a reserve wide receiver, will be sidelined four to six weeks because of a fractured right wrist. At least he’ll miss contact work--the freshman remained in some passing drills during the afternoon practice Thursday, even though it meant trying to catch with one hand. . . . Ken Kocher, the freshman nose guard expected to have a prominent role this season, was on crutches Thursday because of the sprained right ankle suffered the day before. But he is not expected to miss much time, calling the crutches a precaution.