New UCLA football staff, players eager for spring game at Rose Bowl

They’ve heard the stories, seen the television images, watched other teams enjoy it.On Saturday, UCLA’s coaching staff and new players finally get to savor the Rose Bowl themselves.The Bruins will hold their annual spring game inside their home stadium.Kickoff is scheduled for noon, and admission is free for those who request tickets.“I’m very excited to see it all, see us play on the field, see how everybody probably just livens up,” offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy said Thursday after the team broke spring camp.

“Everybody’s told me that when you walk in there, you can just feel it, right? It’s probably not something that you can explain, and I’m very, very excited to see it.”Kennedy said he’s not sure whether he’ll work from the press box or the field.He’s done both over the years but wanted to get a feel for his new digs before making a decision.It might be hard to resist the press box given the spellbinding view of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Then again, the buzz inside the bowl could present its own enticement.UCLA is expected to draw one of its biggest spring game crowds in years.As of Thursday afternoon, the school had received nearly 19,000 RSVPs for the game — many multiples of the smattering of fans who showed up last year.As the Bruins finalized their preparations for a game that’s supposed to last roughly an hour — not counting a 20-minute halftime — here are five observations from their final spring practice: California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story In what’s become a daily spring occurrence, wide receiver Brian Rowe Jr.made another great play when he hauled in a roughly 40-yard catch along the sideline from quarterback Nico Iamaleava.A speedy, shifty transfer from South Carolina who possesses sticky hands ...