Kirk Herbstreit, an ESPN and Prime Video pundit, stated on social media on Tuesday that he believes the College Football Playoff should make the Rose Bowl the yearly venue of the championship game.
“The setting-beauty-field-and history of that place is unparalleled,” he said in his essay. “Last night was another chapter in its long and incredible history of memorable moments.”
I’ve been saying this for years and I’ll say it one more time. As the world of CFB changes in so many ways I really wish the leaders and decision makers would just make the @rosebowlgame the host for the National Championship EVERY YEAR!! The setting-beauty-field-and history of…
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 2, 2024
The Rose Bowl, held in Pasadena, is the sport’s oldest bowl game, having been played in 1902. For many years, it served as a showcase for the top Big Ten squad vs. the top Pac-12 club, but the BCS and, subsequently, the CFP era transformed its place in the bowl season scene.
However, given the game’s pedigree, it wouldn’t be a stretch to make it the yearly championship game. The other New Year’s Six bowls—the Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl—would definitely want a piece of that action on a rotating basis, as would various other host cities that can currently compete for the game.
Once you see a game at the Rose Bowl you’ll change your mind. It’s just a unique venue that speaks to the history of college football like nowhere else. https://t.co/BD7hTckC8M
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) January 2, 2024
The New Year’s Six will host the quarterfinal and semifinal games beginning with next year’s 12-team expanded CFP field. The CFP Championship Game is not related to a traditional bowl game in either the current or future formats. At the very least, Herbstreit would like to have the Rose Bowl considered for the distinction.