UCLA head coach Bob Chesney wants a packed Rose Bowl for the Bruins’ Big Ten home opener against Purdue on Saturday night.

Chesney urged UCLA students to claim their free tickets ahead of the 8 p.m. PDT kickoff. The push comes as the school begins a new policy giving eligible undergraduate and graduate students free admission to regular-season home football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball games.

“To the great students of UCLA. We need you this weekend. Saturday night, first Big Ten game at home against Purdue,” Chesney said in the video. “Tickets are free for each and every one of you at the historic Rose Bowl. We need you now more than ever. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Let's pack this place. Welcome back to those that are coming back, and welcome home to L.A. those that are new. We'll see you all at the Rose Bowl Saturday night.
Go Bruins.”

Students! You heard the head coach, PACK THE BOWL 🌹

Claim your free student ticket here ⬇️

🔗: https://t.co/XNYMcZOu4T pic.twitter.com/H29uP41PQa

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) September 19, 2026

The new policy was announced by UCLA Athletics CEO and Director of Athletics Tim Harris. Students who previously purchased the $199 Den Pass for the 2026-27 school year will receive automatic refunds by September 25.

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UCLA hopes the move will help bring more students back to the Rose Bowl. The Bruins averaged 37,782 fans per home game last season, their lowest average in the stadium era.

That attendance figure is especially notable as UCLA enters its third season in the Big Ten. A stronger student presence could create a different atmosphere for the Bruins' conference games in Pasadena.

Chesney also has early momentum on his side. UCLA has opened his first season with a 2-0 record and will now face Purdue in its first Big Ten home game under the new head coach.

The Bruins and Boilermakers are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. PDT on Saturday. With free tickets now available to eligible students.