It’s hardly a surprise but the 2021 Rose Bowl, the first of the two College Football Playoff games this year, will be played without fans in Pasadena, California.
Although anticipated by many, the official word of the decision did not come until Thursday afternoon.
Some teams and colleges have stated fans won’t be allowed but have let some family members into games nationwide but that won’t be the case in the Rose Bowl as the state of California denied the Rose Bowl’s special request due to the surging COVID-19 numbers in the state and immediate area.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions set forth by the state of California, Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena, spectators will not be allowed to attend the 2021 CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day.
Full release: https://t.co/PCLnzPmBpJ pic.twitter.com/wFzpDvAqkc
— Rose Bowl Game (@rosebowlgame) December 3, 2020
Things won’t remain this way as it’s almost written in stone that No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 3 Clemson will meet again in the ACC Championship Game on December 19, but based of the current rankings it’d be the Irish and Tigers playing in the 2 vs. 3 match-up in Pasadena.
There is a ton still left to be determined but the idea of Notre Dame playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1925 should thrill Fighting Irish fans.
Even if they wouldn’t be allowed in to watch.