Thursday, September 17, 2026

UCLA Makes Football, Basketball Tickets Free for Students

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Left: UCLA’s Wayne Knight (24) carries the ball during the Bruins’ Sept. 12 game against San Diego State. Right: Trent Perry (1) brings the ball up the court in UCLA’s March 3 game against Nebraska. (Photos: UCLA Athletics)

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will make tickets for all its home football and basketball games free for students, the school announced Wednesday.

The policy takes effect Saturday when UCLA hosts Purdue in the Bruins’ Big Ten home opener at the Rose Bowl.

“Our students are the heartbeat of UCLA,” said Tim Harris, chief executive officer (CEO) and director of UCLA Athletics. “Their passion, energy and pride create an atmosphere that makes a difference for our student-athletes and coaches. We want as many students as possible experiencing UCLA Athletics, supporting their fellow Bruins and helping us build one of the best home environments in college sports. We need our students to show up, be loud, and make a difference.”

Eligible UCLA undergraduate and graduate students will be able to claim complimentary tickets to home football games through their student ticket account beginning on the Monday of each game week. Registration for Saturday’s football game against Purdue opened at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Students who previously purchased a 2026-27 Den Pass will receive an automatic refund by Sept. 25.

In addition to complimentary admission, students will have the opportunity to purchase up to eight guest tickets for each home football game, with the exception of UCLA’s game against the University of Southern California (USC). Details regarding the ticket process for the USC game will be announced at a later date.

“We have an exciting team led by Bob Chesney and a lot of momentum surrounding UCLA Athletics,” Harris added. “Now it’s time for our students to help set the standard. Arrive early. Be loud. Be relentless. We can’t wait to see a sea of Bruin Blue at the Rose Bowl this Saturday.”

Details regarding the ticket request process for basketball will be announced prior to the start of the 2026-27 season.